Accra, Ghana – The Parliament of Ghana, under the leadership of Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has reiterated its dedication to promoting human rights. This reaffirmation came during a courtesy call from a delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), led by Senior Program Officer for Governance, Mr. Akiyo Miguel Afouda. The IPU delegation’s visit aimed to advance human and children’s rights within Ghana and the West African sub-region.
Speaker Bagbin highlighted Parliament’s crucial role in human rights protection through its legislative, oversight, and budgetary functions, as well as its active participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. He noted that Ghana’s Parliament has already implemented key UPR recommendations, including the abolition of the death penalty and the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill.
Further areas of progress mentioned by the Speaker include improving prison conditions, promoting gender and environmental rights, and aligning domestic laws with international human rights protocols. He also stated that Parliament has collaborated with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to implement the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. Speaker Bagbin assured the IPU that Parliament would continue to strengthen its oversight and accountability functions to safeguard the rights of all Ghanaians and remain actively involved in Human Rights Council (HRC) activities.
In response, Mr. Afouda commended Speaker Bagbin for his commitment and engagement, noting a previous IPU meeting in March 2025 celebrating its achievements. He also informed the Speaker about an upcoming workshop for members of Parliament’s Human Rights Committee.
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