Tackling Human Rights in Ghana

We had the honor and pleasure to share a dialog with Acting Commissioner, Anna Bossman, of the Commission on Human Rights to get an overview of the human rights issues faced in Ghana, the challenges to moving forward and the goals that have been met in the past 50 years since the official independence of the country. Given the historic importance of the anniversary of the 50 years of independence, the state of human rights for women, children and other marginalized citizens was highlighted and emphasized during the celebrations. This first week of January was also filled with strategic planning meetings and goal setting to take advantage of the momentum of the past year.

On the whole, Ghana has made some progress on the issue of human rights. The groundwork is being laid for change and attitudes are beginning to shift. Women, children and prisoners are the major focus of the commission, as they tend to be the most vulnerable to human rights abuses. Those suffering from HIV/AIDS are also considered a group, which is increasingly becoming marginalized. And now more than ever in the past people are becoming aware of the issues.

We have been learning about the first President of Ghana, Nkrumah, who is adored and revered as a champion of Ghanaians, the beginnings of the democratic process and unification of Ghanaian citizens. He also saw the power of women and the importance of their role in this society. He gave women a platform in his own government and encouraged education of girls. Over the past 50 years, especially during the recent military regime, women were often seen as a threat, due in some part to their economic power in the market, and they suffered many violations. At the same time, there are some tribal traditions, which are demeaning and harmful to women that are deeply ingrained in the many cultures that make up Ghana. Even at the highest levels of society, in educated and progressive circles, some practices are encouraged and continued: some types of slavery to settle debts, early forced marriage and female genital mutilation are a few.

I was very interested to learn that while the commission is faced with the enormous challenge of identifying and addressing human rights abuses in Ghanaian society and they come up against strong resistance, they are beginning to see results. Women are beginning to come forward to the regional offices with complaints and their mediation tactics have worked. They use a broad based approach. They use education as the vehicle to encourage change, but also attempt to find reasonable alternatives. Given the historical context of some of traditions, it is not possible to simply outlaw them or demand change. Old practices have social, historical and political context and have to be identified, understood and then gradually changed. That is the most important message that I took away from the meeting.

Lake Volta, Akosombo Dam, and the Princess Dodi Cruise

After an exhilarating day of visiting the sites in Accra, early on Sunday morning, we hopped into our van with Israel and Raymond to embark on a cruise across Lake Volta, the largest man made lake. Israel and Raymond regaled us with tales of Ghanaian contemporary history, and oriented us in marriage customs. We arrived at Lake Volta at 10am in the morning, bought some beads, and then boarded the Princess Dodi. From the boat we viewed the Akosombo Dam, which is symbolic of Ghanaian innovation and economic development. By 11:30am, the band on board had moved from prayer songs to reggae and hip-life music, and the passengers were on their feet. Daytime dancing ensued with circles of passengers and SIPA students showing off their dance moves, waving white handkerchiefs in the air, and leading conga lines through the crowds. Chinonoso danced so much that he lost his voice. Just another example of the SIPA student’s ability to be a cultural ambassador.

Akwaaba! And, thank you Ms. Dadzie!

Akwaaba! Welcome! Our first day in Ghana we received a warm welcome from Chris Dadzie, a human rights advocate and Director of ISODEC (Integrated Social Development Center). Ms. Dadzie, whose daughter Christabel is a SIPA alum, coordinated our tour. Her orientation was our first glimpse of the inviting and innovative people we would meet throughout adventures in Accra and the Cape Coast. We appreciate her efforts to orient us in Ghana’s rich culture and history, as well as its current political, economic, and social development. During our conversation, Ms. Dadzie shared personal stories and elaborated on Ghana’s transition from a British colony to military rule to a new democracy. Threaded throughout her talk, she expressed the importance of the press in strengthening the new democracy and its role in promoting a more robust civil society. Lunch with Ms. Dadzie was the perfect introduction to our tour of Accra. Our first stop was the Freedom and Justice Square. After, we visited Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, and learned about Ghana’s first president whose successful leadership united Ghana’s different ethnic groups. The daytime tour concluded after we haggled for masks, jewelry, and African Cup 2008 T-shirts at the Art Center. In between stops, SIPA students were spotted snoozing on bus, recovering from jet lag and rejuvenating for dinner with Alban Bagbin, the parliament’s Minority Leader.

And we’re off!

In a flurry of emails about what clothes we should pack and how we were going to get the airport, our fearless and unflappable leader, Lincoln, herded all 25 of us on to our direct flight to Accra, Ghana. But what do a group of SIPA students do on a 10hour flight across the Atlantic? Mari and Cayenne burrowed under their blankets and went sound asleep before take off. Lorelei and Shannon quizzed each other the latest fashion and gossip in US Weekly before moving onto the Economist. Sam and I “oohed and awed” and sampled all the products in the Delta Airlines goodie bag, popped some Ambien, and then tossed and turned the flight away. Leo and Josie enjoyed some wine and dinner, and then stay tuned to both movies, Balls of Fury and Stardust. Of course, leader Lincoln wrote his application for his summer fellowship, and then studied up on West African history. I guess there is a reason he is in charge! Some well rested, some not so well rested, but we all arrived to Accra safe and sound. At the airport, we were greeted by our tour guides, and teachers, Israel and Raymond. Both are law students whose love for their country, culture, and history is intoxicating. They became fast friends who were not afraid to teach us songs and dances, as well as introduce us to the Ghanaian love of stimulating conversation, laughter, and dirty jokes.

Ghana Itinerary

January 5th: Accra

• Guest Speaker – Mrs. Chris Dadzie
• DuBois Center
• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
• Arts Center
• Dinner with Hon. Alban Bagbin (Member of Parliament, Minority Leader)

January 6th: Elmina, Cape Coast, Kakum Forest

• Elmina Castle
• Cape Coast Castle
• Kakum Forest Canopy Walk
  

January 7th: Accra & Akosombo

• Rancard Solutions (ICT in Africa)
• Food from Papaye
  
• Akosombo Dam
  

January 8th: Accra

• ISODEC – Integrated Social Development Center (development and public policy)
• Commission on Human Rights Anti Corruption Unit