The Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), has on the occasion of the 2022 World Human Rights Day, called on government to rise up to the occasion and holistically address issues of human rights in the country

The theme for this year's commemoration of Human Rights Day is: “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for all".

In a statement, HRRG said the theme "resonates with our mandate at the Human Rights Reporters Ghana." 

"We believe the right to life, education, freedom of speech and movement, rights to own property, rights to belong to a family and a nationality among others ought to be respected. These rights mean choice and opportunity for all and are therefore prerequisite to a sustainable life," HRRG stated.

It added that, "It is however very vital for us to note that these fundamental rights are indivisible, interconnected and interdependent.  That is when one right is not respected, it affects the others. For instance, violation on the rights to adequate housing triggers the violation of the rights to rest, to education, work and so on. These are economic, social and cultural rights that we uphold and hold dear to our heart."

HRRG bemoaned the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

"Looking at the current economic situation of our beloved country Ghana, the right to life which includes having your basic needs met like food, clothing, shelter as well as the right to own property and have a family are curtailed due to the economic crisis in the country.  Many individuals are not able to further their education due to the increased tuition fees, denying them the right to education.

"Currently prices of goods and services have skyrocketed denying the ordinary Ghanaian the rights to own their own property, basic necessities like water, food and healthcare among others. Since human rights are interconnected and indivisible, denial of Ghanaians these rights affects others as well, making the individual not well adjusted in the environment," it explained.

HRRG therefore called on the government to put proper measures in place to help restore the economy back to its normal state, "so that the ordinary Ghanaian will live a meaningful and a well sustained life." 

The Group also called on the Ghana Education Service and the Ghana Police Service to investigate incidents of gross abuse and brute canning of some former students of the Annor Adjaye Senior High School located at the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region and the Agogo State College located in the Asante Akim North District of the Ashanti Region. 

"These students were brutally canned by some teachers living visible marks and blood stains on vital parts of their bodies, an act which goes contrary to the Ghana Education Service ban on corporal punishment in schools.

"We believe the actions of the teachers who inflicted cane wounds on students are uncalled for and criminal therefore needs to be condemned by the GES, investigated and if found culpable, the appropriate sanctions should be meted out to the culprits without delay.

Again, as we celebrate this day of freedom, dignity and justice for all, we appreciate the efforts of the founding fathers who have brought to bear the importance of our Fundamental Human Rights and hold them in high esteem," HRRG said.