Chair of Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, Ernest Yaw Anim, has called on Ghanaian lawmakers to take a leading role in advancing and safeguarding human and children’s rights.
Speaking at the launch of a two-day national workshop themed “Promoting Human and Children’s Rights: What Role for the Ninth Parliament of Ghana?”, Mr. Anim described the event as more than a discussion—it was, in his words, “a call to commitment, a moment for reflection, engagement, and decisive action.”
He praised Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for his “visionary leadership” in creating the Human Rights Committee, describing it as a strong signal that Parliament is serious about placing human rights at the core of governance. “Our mandate is not just symbolic—it is an active responsibility,” he stated.
Mr. Anim outlined the Committee’s core duties, including reviewing legislation, overseeing government adherence to human rights obligations, and engaging directly with civil society and at-risk communities.
Highlighting recent initiatives, he noted site visits to Nsawam Prison, discussions with the Ghana Prison Service about detainee welfare, and a fact-finding mission to The Gambia to investigate the challenges faced by stateless Ghanaians.
“This has spurred us to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on developing a national plan to tackle statelessness,” he said.
He also shared upcoming plans to evaluate the conditions in witch camps, mental health institutions, and refugee settlements across the country.
Calling on fellow MPs to go beyond passing laws, Mr. Anim urged them to act as advocates for marginalized groups.
“We are the voice for the vulnerable — children at risk, girls forced into early marriage, trafficking victims, detainees, and the stateless,” he emphasized.
He concluded by urging continued partnership with civil society and development organizations:
“Let us rise to our historic duty — to be Parliamentarians who protect, uplift, and bring justice and hope to those who need it most.”
