Amid growing concerns over human rights abuses both globally and locally, Amnesty International Ghana has issued a strong appeal to the government of Ghana to take decisive action in addressing key issues affecting vulnerable populations. This call was made during the launch of two major reports that shed light on the state of human rights and capital punishment around the world.
Amnesty International Ghana has urged the Ghanaian government to strengthen its commitment to human rights by taking urgent action on critical social issues such as period poverty and harmful cultural practices like witchcraft accusations. The appeal was made during a press briefing to launch the organization’s global human rights report and its annual review on death sentences and executions.
Speaking at the event, Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Genevieve Partington, acknowledged recent government efforts to distribute sanitary pads to underprivileged girls as a step in the right direction. However, she stressed the need for a more structured and transparent approach.
“We commend the Ministry of Gender for beginning this important initiative,” she said. “But beyond the launch, there needs to be a clear plan with accountability measures to ensure the pads reach the intended beneficiaries, especially in deprived communities.”
She also called for increased media engagement and public updates on the progress of the intervention.
Protecting Women Accused of Witchcraft
Another urgent concern raised was the plight of women accused of witchcraft. Amnesty Ghana is pushing for swift passage of the Witchcraft Accusations Bill, which seeks to protect vulnerable women—many of whom are elderly—from abuse and neglect.
“The conditions in so-called ‘witch camps’ are inhumane,” Partington noted. “These women are living without proper access to water, healthcare, or education, and most of them are over 60 years old. It is a grave violation of their rights.”
She called on the government to collaborate with the Ministry of Gender to formulate a national strategy to close the camps and rehabilitate the victims.
Rising Executions Globally: Alarming Trends
Highlighting Amnesty’s latest findings on capital punishment, Vice Board Chair of Amnesty Ghana, Madam Charity Batuure, revealed troubling statistics. Although fewer countries are resorting to executions, the global number of people executed in 2024 rose significantly by 32 percent compared to 2023.
“The world recorded 1,518 executions in 2024—the highest since 2015,” she said. “Iran alone was responsible for 972 of those, with Saudi Arabia and Iraq also contributing heavily to the numbers.”
She added that some countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burkina Faso, are considering resuming executions for ordinary crimes—moves Amnesty views as serious setbacks.
Many of the executions documented were reportedly carried out in violation of international law, including public executions and those following unfair trials or for crimes unrelated to intentional killing.
Amnesty International Ghana concluded the press event with a firm call to action for the government to place human rights at the core of national development policies.
“Human rights cannot be sidelined,” Partington emphasized. “From menstrual health to justice for the accused, every Ghanaian deserves protection and dignity. The government must act now.”
As Ghana continues to navigate its development path, the organization’s call serves as a reminder that genuine progress must be anchored in fairness, justice, and the respect for all citizens.
Story by Bawa Musah
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