A/HRC/22/6
is not adequate and this constitutes a challenge to the Government’s Legal Aid Programme.
Government and the Ghana Bar Association are collaborating to address the problem. In the
meantime, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)
continues to provide mediation services for women to actualize their right to access justice.
18.
The Ministry of Justice is also focused on implementing the Remand Review Project
of the Justice for All Programme, instituted in 2007. This has led to an increase in the
release of the number of remand prisoners who have outstayed their remand warrants,
resulting in a significant reduction in the remand population.
19.
With regard to health, as noted by the Special Rapporteur on the right to health on
his recent visit, Ghana has made significant progress in the health-related Millennium
Development Goals. In 2011, the Ghana Aids Commission launched the National HIV
Strategic Plan 2011-2015, which is aimed at enhancing the implementation of the national
response to dealing with HIV and AIDS. Various educational campaigns aimed at
addressing HIV-related stigma and discrimination, as well as the rights of the most-at-risk
populations (MARPs) and persons living with HIV.
20.
With regard to education, there has been a steady increase in female enrolment in
schools, which could be attributed to the increased awareness programmes, community
mobilization and sensitization at the basic school level. The inclusion of lessons and
activities on education as a human right in the school curriculum, the use of fliers, posters,
durbars, drama as well as radio and TV discussions, have increased children’s awareness of
their right to education. Other interventions by government and NGOS to increase
enrolment and retention of females in schools to bridge the gender gap include scholarships
to needy girls to enable them to access secondary education and the introduction of a quota
system by the public universities. Challenges however remain, with inadequate
infrastructure and information and communication technology (ICT) facilities.
21.
The delegation stressed that Ghana is committed to addressing corruption in all its
forms, in particular in the public sector. Ghana is mindful of the debilitating effects of
corruption on the socio-economic development of Ghana. Consequently, a workplan for the
execution of an anti-corruption project has been prepared in collaboration with
stakeholders. A National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) has been laid before
Parliament for adoption.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
22.
During the interactive dialogue, 76 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
23.
Bulgaria noted the establishment of a Domestic Violence Secretariat and a national
policy to combat domestic violence. Bulgaria noted the commitment of Ghana to equal
participation; however it expressed concern over the lack of a legal framework for
affirmative action policy. Bulgaria made recommendations.
24.
Burkina Faso noted the ratification of certain international human rights instruments
and gender policies, the strengthening of the judicial system to combat gender and domestic
violence, and the adoption of a national strategic plan to fight HIV/AIDS.
25.
Burundi noted improved prison conditions. It congratulated Ghana on the protection
of women’s rights, combating gender-related and domestic violence, and child abuse. It
noted the criminalization of female genital mutilation (FGM), increased access to justice,
the increased numbers of girls in school and the national strategic plan to fight HIV/AIDS.
26.
Canada noted that Ghana accepted the recommendations to enhance the rights of
women and address domestic violence and asked about the outcome of its review process in
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