A/HRC/8/36 Page 8 improved, and there is now one official per 1,200 citizens. Prison conditions have also improved with the opening of new prisons and the allocation of a budget for the training and education for prisoners. Concerning the offence of marital rape, it was omitted by the Parliament, but some prosecutors argue there are provisions which enable to bring a charge of marital rape, while this has not yet been tested in court. Regarding questions on girl-child education, Ghana has mounted a strong advocacy campaign to make sure that girls enroll and stay in school. The improvements are also due to food rations, with not only food in school but also to bring home, so it is in the interest of the whole family that the child goes to school. With regard to the gender imbalance between secondary and tertiary education, these are historical issues and there are improvements. The aggregate entry level is adjusted favorably for girls, for example in engineering. Concerning the People’s Assembly concept, the President meets the people once a year and anybody can ask a question. Afterwards, Ministers hold meetings at the district level and in regional capitals. Ministers also meet with the press every Tuesday. The death penalty is enshrined in Ghana’s Constitution in article 3B, which is an entrenched clause requiring amendment by referendum and a six-month process. In this regard, Ghana noted that no death penalty has been carried out since 1993. After the elections in 2008, the Government intends to review the Constitution and this issue will be raised again. With regard to cultural practices related to “witch camps”, these camps are self protective areas developed by communities, where some people give refuge to others who have been accused of been witches. The Government is supporting measures to address these issues. In response to a question on the funding of its various programmes, Ghana noted that due to good governance, fight against corruption and stabilization of the economy, the country has more funds which are being allocated better. 32. The Netherlands welcomed the open environment in which human rights issues can be discussed in Ghana and in which is the result of increasing transparency in Ghana’s policies and free press and active civil society involvement. It asked if the Government has other ways of increasing the number of women in the Parliament and their participation in the Government after the elections in December 2008. It recommended that the Government reach out to the general public by informing the population of their rights and how to gain access to justice. While commending the signature of the OP-CAT in 2006, the Netherlands recommended that Ghana ratify the protocol at its earliest convenience. 33. Azerbaijan commended Ghana on the creation of CHRAJ which has the authority to consider and investigate individual complaints relating to the violation of human rights, and noted the importance of the Commission’s role, as emphasized by the treaty bodies. It noted several positive developments, including measures taken to ensure the rights of various vulnerable groups and to investigate human rights violations. Azerbaijan asked to elaborate further on the effectiveness of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit in improving the situation on the ground, and how Ghana intended to strengthen the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs and implement CEDAW recommendations. 34. Malaysia commended Ghana for its candid recognition of problem of child labour and other challenges in the field of human rights and applauded Ghana for its efforts to overcome them. It was impressed by Ghana’s investment in enhancing education for children involved in child labour. Malaysia wished to receive more information about how the children have been rescued from child labour and have been reintegrated into national educational system. 35. Cuba acknowledged the efforts of Ghana to develop various programmes and promote and protect human rights for most vulnerable groups. It underscored development of programmes to fight against poverty, domestic violence, and elimination of worst forms of child labour. Cuba emphasized that, as developing country, Ghana needs cooperation and international solidarity in