Speaker Bagbin Calls for Modern Prisons to Enhance Human Rights
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford, Sumana Bagbin, has made a passionate appeal for the construction of modern prison facilities across the country to meet international standards and help protect the rights and dignity of inmates.
Speaking in Accra on Monday, June 23, 2025, during a courtesy call by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretariat and UNICEF, in collaboration with Parliament’s Select Committee on Human Rights, Rt. Hon. Bagbin emphasized that “Parliament, as the representative organ of government, will hold the executive accountable for any breaches of human rights or failure to uphold human dignity.”
The Speaker underscored the importance of Parliament’s role in promoting human and children’s rights, stating that “our role as Parliament in the promotion and protection of human rights is very, very crucial.”
He further stressed that the 1992 Constitution gives Parliament more than enough power to protect the rights of all Ghanaians.
Addressing representatives of the IPU and UNICEF, as well as other dignitaries, Speaker. Bagbin welcomed them warmly, saying, “On behalf of the Parliament of Ghana, I deem it an honour to host the Inter-Parliamentary Union and to share these few welcome remarks as a gesture of my unwavering commitment to the role of Parliament in promoting and protecting human rights.”
The Speaker recounted Ghana’s journey and engagement with the United Nations’ Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process and praised Parliament’s increasing involvement.
“Historically, Parliament has not been involved in the UPR process. But for the first time, we participated in the fourth cycle in January 2023, and I ensured that our voice was represented even when I couldn’t attend personally,” he stated.
Speaker Bagbin revealed that Parliament played a key role in ensuring that Ghana accepted and supported 268 out of 298 UPR recommendations, including the abolition of the death penalty, passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, and measures against child labour and trafficking.
Touching on Ghana’s prison conditions, the Speaker reiterated Parliament’s commitment to improving them. “You all recall the recent reports by the Human Rights Committee on the state of our prisons. This speaks volumes of Parliament’s commitment to improving prison conditions and ensuring the welfare of inmates,” he noted.
He added that the newly established Human Rights Committee of Parliament has visited detention centers and is facilitating the establishment of a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) in line with Ghana’s ratification of international conventions against torture.
The Speaker also highlighted legislative milestones, including the passage of the Armed Forces Amendment Bill to abolish the death penalty in military justice and the passage of the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill, which addressed witchcraft accusations—although the latter awaits presidential assent.
On the international front, he acknowledged Ghana’s recognition by the UN Human Rights Council, saying, “Our commitment at the IPU review meetings in Geneva contributed immensely to Ghana being elected to chair the UN Human Rights Council. That is a role we cherish, and we will not allow anyone to take that from us.”
He also commended the support of civil society and institutions like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which he described as “key accountability partners” in Parliament’s human rights agenda.
Former Kenyan Senate Speaker and IPU executive committee member, Hon. Ekwee David Ethuro, who led the visiting delegation, commended Speaker Bagbin’s leadership and Parliament’s reforms.
“I remember during that online workshop you committed to establishing the Human Rights Committee—and it has now become a reality,” he said.
He added, “You are one of our most active members, not only committed to human rights but also to the World Speakers Conference. This is just the beginning of a long journey with the Parliament of Ghana.”
UNICEF and the IPU will support a three-day workshop involving about 60 Ghanaian Members of Parliament to further strengthen the legislature’s role in safeguarding human rights in Ghana.
Source: Felix Nyaaba | expressnewsghana.com
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