A/HRC/22/6 8. The delegation also acknowledged the important and significant contribution of civil society in ensuring that human rights issues remained high on the Government’s agenda, and in the public consciousness. In the preparation of the national report, Ghana ensured the active participation of not only the relevant government institutions, but civil society as well. The Ministry of Justice held several meetings and interactions with the Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and collated information gathered for the report. Additionally, it collaborated with the National Human Rights Institution (CHRAJ), and held informal consultations with civil society organizations. A final meeting was held on 20 July 2012 with all stakeholders to validate the report. 9. At the first review on 8th May, 2008, Ghana accepted 22 recommendations. Progress made in the implementation of the recommendations is clearly set out in the national report. The delegation highlighted recent salient developments. 10. The Government, in its White Paper to the Report of the Constitutional Review Commission, has accepted the recommendation of the Commission to abolish the death penalty. Given that it is an entrenched provision of the Constitution, it will have to be subjected to a referendum. It is, however, worth mentioning that no executions have taken place in Ghana since 1993. 11. Since the passing of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 75) and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Ghana has established the National Council on Persons with Disability. This Council will evolve policies and strategies to enable persons with disability to enter and participate in the mainstreaming of the national development process. 12. The Mental Health Bill has also been passed into an Act of Parliament. The Act seeks, inter alia, to promote access to basic mental health care in an environment free from restrictions, and prevent the abuse of people with mental disorders. 13. With regards to the rights of women and children, the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC) plays a lead role in the promotion and development of the rights of women and children. Following the passage of the Domestic Violence Act and the establishment of the Domestic Violence Secretariat, the Ministry has developed a national policy and plan of action to support the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act. 14. A number of training, sensitization and awareness-raising programmes on domestic violence and discriminatory practices against women have been held for the general public, traditional authorities/queen mothers, the media, the police and other stakeholders. The Domestic Violence Act has been translated into six major Ghanaian languages, namely Nzema, Ga, Twi, Hausa, Ewe and Dagbani, and copies of the translated, abridged and simplified versions of the Act are distributed to institutions and the public and key stakeholders. 15. Ghana is committed to ensuring equal rights of women in matters related to property and inheritance. There are currently two Bills before Parliament: the Property Rights of Spouses Bill, and the Intestate Succession Amendment Bill. The Ministry of Justice, MOWAC and some civil society organizations are engaging the Parliamentary Select Committee on Gender and Children to have the Bills passed speedily into law. 16. Concerning access to justice for the vulnerable, the delegation reported that special courts have been set up at the High Courts to deal with human rights cases. These are called Human Rights Courts. Additionally, a Gender-Based Violence Court has been set up as a pilot project to deal with domestic violence cases, with a view to improving women’s access to justice. 17. The national Legal Aid Programme under the Ministry of Justice continues to provide legal aid for indigent persons, including women. However, participation by lawyers 4