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Speaker reaffirms Parliament’s commitment to the promotion of human rights

A delegation from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) led by the Senior Program Officer for Governance, Mr Akiyo Miguel Afouda, has paid a courtesy call on the Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

The purpose of the visit was to promote Human and Children’s Rights in the country and within the sub-region.

In his opening remarks, the Speaker reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to human rights promotion through active participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.

The Speaker emphasised that Parliament’s unique legislative, oversight, and budgetary functions make it a key factor in protecting rights, monitoring executive compliance, and ensuring the implementation of UPR recommendations.

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“Ghana’s Parliament has already acted on several key UPR recommendations supported by the state, including the abolition of the death penalty and the passage of the long-awaited Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill,” he said.

The Speaker further stated that the areas of progress in the human rights includes addressing prison conditions, promoting gender and environmental rights, and aligning domestic laws with international human rights protocols.

He added that Parliament has partnered with CHRAJ to implement the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights through active involvement in the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-Up and with closer collaboration with the IPU and human rights CSOs.

The Speaker assured that Parliament will continue to strengthen its oversight and accountability functions to safeguard the rights of all Ghanaians.

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He concluded that, in pursuance of its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights at the domestic and international levels, Parliament has actively been involved in the activities of sessions of Human Rights Council (HRC) and the National Mechanism for reporting and follow-up.

In response, the IPU Officer, Mr. Akiyo Miguel Afouda, commended Speaker for his availability, commitment, and engagement. He added that during the first meeting, which was held in March 2025 it was to celebrate the achievements of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

He informed the Speaker that a workshop has been programmed to educate members of the Human Rights Committee of Parliament.

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Akwatia MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi dead

Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, has passed away untimely.

Reports reaching spectator.com.gh indicate that the MP  passed away after a short illness.

The family and the New Patriotic Party are yet to disclose details of his death.

It would be recalled that the Supreme Court recently overturned his contempt conviction related to the disputed 2024 parliamentary election results.

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By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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High Court orders jailed Agradaa to open defense

An Accra High Court has ordered the founder and leader of Heaven Way Champions International Ministry, Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, to open her defense in a case involving the alleged sharing of nude images of a prophet.

The embattled self-styled Prophetess is currently serving a 15-year jail term for defrauding by false pretenses.

This notwithstading, a court  presided over by  Mary Ekue Yanzuh dismissed Agradaa’s submission of no case and ordered her to open her defense on July 30.

The judge further ordered the defense lawyers to file their witness statements and directed prison officers to ensure that Agradaa is brought to court on the next adjourned date.

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Her lawyers, led by Richard Baffour, informed the court that she under lawful custody and requested an order for her to be brought to court from jail for the ruling.

“My prayer is that your ruling can be delivered in her presence. We pray for an adjournment and an order for her to be brought to court,” Baffour pleaded.

However, Justice Yanzuh declined and delivered the ruling in her absence.

The ruling dismissed Nana Agradaa’s application to strike out the case.

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The case has been adjourned to July 30 for a case management conference.

 By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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