Ghana’s Historic Decision: Abolishing the Death Penalty Sets a Progressive Path

Ghana Takes a Historic Step Towards Abolishing the Death Penalty

Amnesty International Celebrates the Landmark Decision

In a significant move towards justice and human rights, Ghana‘s Parliament has voted to remove the death penalty from the 1960 Criminal and Other Offences Act and the 1962 Armed Forces Act. This decision has been hailed as a major step towards the abolition of the death penalty and a victory for all those who have tirelessly campaigned against this cruel punishment. Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Director, Samira Daoud, has commended Ghana‘s progress and emphasized the need for further actions to ensure the full abolition of the death penalty.

A Step Towards Strengthening the Right to Life

Amnesty International’s campaign for the global abolition of the death penalty has spanned several decades. The organization firmly opposes the death penalty in all cases, as it violates the right to life as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The decision by Ghana‘s Parliament to remove the death penalty from its statutes is a significant stride towards strengthening the protection of this fundamental human right.

Revising the Constitution: A Necessary Step

While the removal of the death penalty from the Criminal and Other Offences Act and the Armed Forces Act is a landmark decision, Amnesty International highlights the need for Ghana to revise its Constitution. Currently, the Constitution still allows for high treason to be punishable by death. In order to complete the total abolition of this draconian punishment and align with international human rights standards, it is crucial that the Ghanaian authorities take steps to remove the death penalty from the Constitution.

Call to Action for President Nana Akufo-Addo

Following the passage of the 2022 Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill and the 2022 Armed Forces (Amendment) Bill, Amnesty International urges President Nana Akufo-Addo to expedite signing them into law. Additionally, the organization calls on the President to commute all death sentences to prison terms and establish an official moratorium on executions. These actions would demonstrate Ghana‘s commitment to human rights and align with the global trend towards the abolition of the death penalty.

The Global Context: Progress and Challenges

Ghana‘s decision to remove the death penalty aligns with a growing trend in Africa and around the world. As of today, 23 out of 55 African countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes. This progress is a testament to the recognition that the death penalty is a cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment that has no place in our modern society.

Amnesty International’s latest report on the global use of the death penalty in 2022 reveals that seven new death sentences were handed down in Ghana, bringing the total number of individuals facing the death penalty in the country to 172 by the end of the year. It is encouraging to note that no executions have been carried out in Ghana since 1993, indicating progress towards a more humane approach to justice.

The Path Towards Complete Abolition

Ghana‘s decision to remove the death penalty from its statutes is a crucial step towards justice and human rights. However, true progress will only be achieved when the death penalty is fully abolished in all cases, including high treason, and removed from the Constitution.

As Ghana moves forward on its path towards the complete abolition of the death penalty, it is vital to prioritize human rights, respect for the right to life, and adherence to international standards. The global community stands with Ghana in this journey, offering support and encouragement to ensure a fair and just legal system that upholds human dignity and compassion for all.

Only by embracing the progressive path of abolition can Ghana fully embody the principles of justice and lead the way for other nations in creating a more humane and enlightened world.

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