Ghana lacks legal framework to enforce African Court Human Rights decisions—ACC

Ghana, despite its strong democratic credentials and leadership in respecting regional human rights obligations, currently has no express legal framework providing for the recognition and enforcement of decisions from regional human rights courts, including the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.

This legal gap, centered on Part V of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459), has become the focus of a national advocacy campaign by the African Court Coalition (ACC) and its Ghana National Focal Point, led by the Focal Point and a coalition of Ghanaian civil society organizations.

According to Ms Sophia Ebby, the ACC Coordinator, Ghana, as a State Party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Protocol establishing the African Court, is bound to implement its decisions when rendered.

She stressed that public awareness of the role of regional courts and the importance of implementing its decisions remains minimal.

"Coverage of the African Court mandate is often minimal, and there is limited public understanding of how regional human rights decisions contribute to strengthening justice, constitutional governance, and the rule of law," Ms Ebby stated.

The ACC Coordinator stressed that even though currently Ghana does not have any adverse decision from the African Court that requires implementation, the coalition says it is crucial to prepare a conducive environment for compliance and strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.

To address this, the ACC is organizing a “Two-Day Media Capacity Building Workshop on Reporting the Implementation of Decisions of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.”

The two-day workshop agenda for October 8 and 9 includes sessions on: Overview and Jurisdiction of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights; Why Implementation of Decisions Matters: The contribution of regional human rights decisions to democracy, rule of law, accountability, and citizens; Ghana's current legal framework for implementation—existing gaps and need for legislative reform; and Reporting Regional Human Rights Decisions: Challenges, Opportunities, and Best Practices for Journalists.

According to the programme outline, day one of the workshop would be for media practitioners, and the second day for staff of the AG’s Drafting and Litigation Department, and representatives from CHRAJ.

The workshop seeks to enhance the capacity of journalists and media practitioners in Ghana to accurately report on regional human rights mechanisms, particularly the African Court, and to increase public awareness of the importance of implementing their decisions.

Resource persons will include representatives Justice Dennis Adjei, Judge of the African Court, and Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu (MP); legal experts on regional human rights law, Mr Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director, Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA CONSULT), and a member of the African Court Media Network.

Others are Mr Agbenu Doe, Managing Partner of Jasford Legal Consulting, who also doubles as the International Focal Point of the ACC for Ghana; and representatives of the African Court Coalition.

Objectives include improving media knowledge of Ghana's obligations, strengthening understanding of the mandate of the African Court, increasing understanding of Ghana's current legal framework, and appreciating the significance of implementing decisions for democratic governance and human rights protection.

Expected outcomes include better understanding of the legal reforms being advocated to strengthen domestic implementation and sustained media engagement in promoting public dialogue on human rights and accountability.

The workshop will employ a participatory approach, combining expert presentations, interactive discussions, media-oriented Q&A, and experience sharing, focusing on translating complex legal concepts into practical knowledge journalists can effectively communicate.

About 20-25 participants are expected, including journalists from print, television, radio, and digital media; editors; producers; communication officers from CSOs; and representatives of media associations.