Mr. Joseph Whittal, the Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), is proposing more severe penalties for individuals and businesses participating in activities that harm the environment, particularly illegal mining (Galamsey).
He suggests that imposing stricter punishments would act as a deterrent for those with plans to harm the environment for personal or business gain.
“The wanton destruction of the environment and the pollution of water bodies due to galamsey activities must be fought head-on with more urgency irrespective of who is involved,” he said.
Mr Whittal made the call in Accra yesterday at a day’s forum in commemoration of the International Human Rights Day held under the theme; “The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Implications for Human Rights Protection in Ghana.”
According to the CHRAJ Commissioner, owners of both public and private companies must conduct their operations lawfully and with respect for the rights of all people whose livelihoods may be impacted by them.
Adding, “Human rights due diligence must be a pre-requisite for the establishment of businesses.”
He expressed confidence that the adoption of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights next year would strengthen the regulation of business activities in alignment with human rights principles.
The Commissioner acknowledged Ghana’s strides in enhancing human rights protection but highlighted substantial areas for improvement.
He urged the government to reform policies, ensuring the protection of the rights of the disadvantaged, including women, children, older persons, individuals living with HIV, and those with disabilities.
“As a Commission, we remain committed to our mandate of promotion and protection of human rights and we will do everything possible within the ambit of the Law to ensure true respect for the rights of all “leaving no one behind,” he assured.
Mr. Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, the Deputy Attorney-General and Deputy Minister of Justice, emphasized that the observance of Human Rights Day aims to instill the importance of acknowledging and upholding human rights, fostering empathy for individuals irrespective of their race, place of origin, political opinion, color, religion, or gender.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the celebration serves as an opportunity to discuss and comprehend the challenges hindering the progress of human rights in Ghana today and anticipate those that may arise in the future.
“One of the thematic issues identified by CHRAJ in relation to blatant disregard for the protection of human rights enshrined in the UDHR is business operations and environmental rights.
According to Mr. Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, glyphosate, which is used in the production of yams, has been found to be “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Paraquat and chlorpyrifos, on the other hand, are prohibited in Europe but are imported and used in Ghana.