Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin, has formally re-inaugurated the African Commission of Health and Human Rights Promoters and launched its Endowment Fund with a personal contribution of GH¢100,000.

The event, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on Thursday, September 17, marked the revival of the Commission, which is seeking to renew its work around healthcare rights, human dignity, accountability and the protection of vulnerable and marginalised groups.

The Commission’s founder, Naa Professor Edmund Nminyem Delle, said its origins date back to 1989, when it was established to respond to human rights concerns surrounding HIV/AIDS and discrimination against people living with the disease.

Professor Delle said its work later expanded to supporting people fleeing persecution and torture, including journalists and others who sought refuge in Ghana.

However, he said the organisation’s activities eventually slowed because of financial constraints, prompting efforts to establish a new foundation for its work.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Bishop Louis Christian Godson, said its renewed operations would focus on three main areas — advocacy and education, accountability and redress, and policy integration.

He said the Commission would promote patients’ rights, educate the public on healthcare rights, engage healthcare providers, document alleged violations and contribute to policy discussions on health and human rights.

Mental health, access to healthcare, health insurance and environmental health are also expected to receive attention.

Bishop Godson further described illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as a public health concern and called for stronger scientific research, monitoring and public education on environmental pollution and its potential effects on communities.

A major feature of the re-inauguration was the launch of the Commission’s Endowment Fund, which organisers say is intended to provide sustainable financing for its programmes.

Bishop Godson said the Commission has set a long-term target of raising US$10 billion within five years to establish a financial base for its activities.

He said sustainable funding would be critical to supporting research, legal aid, environmental testing, monitoring and other interventions aimed at advancing health and human rights.

According to him, depending solely on short-term donor grants and irregular funding cycles can undermine the sustainability of advocacy organisations.

Speaking at the event, Speaker Bagbin stressed the importance of institutions that can bridge the gap between policymakers and the realities faced by citizens.

He said organisations working in health and human rights have an important role in bringing the concerns of vulnerable people to the attention of policymakers and other decision-makers.

The Speaker also underscored the need for sustainable financing, likening an institution without adequate resources to a vehicle without fuel.

He cited healthcare interventions, including efforts to support dialysis services, as examples of programmes that can benefit from dedicated and sustainable financing mechanisms.

Speaker Bagbin subsequently declared the African Commission of Health and Human Rights Promoters formally re-inaugurated and its Endowment Fund launched.

The Commission says its renewed work will place particular emphasis on people whose access to healthcare and human rights protections may be affected by poverty, discrimination, disability, social exclusion and other vulnerabilities.

Professor Delle recalled the organisation’s historical engagement with people facing discrimination and health challenges, while Bishop Godson said the revived Commission would continue advocating for people whose rights are violated within healthcare and other social systems.

The organisation also plans to strengthen research and public education as part of its renewed mandate.

The re-inauguration is expected to provide a new platform for the Commission to expand its health and human rights advocacy work in Ghana and beyond.

The event brought together policymakers, civil society representatives, health professionals, human rights advocates and other stakeholders to discuss the intersection of health, human rights and social justice.