Human rights issues are in the courts in Ghana on a regular basis. HRAC has been involved in some of those cases, and in others, we observe the process as ‘amicus curiae’ (friend of the court) to ensure that the human rights issues are highlighted, and to stay up to date with all the human rights issues in Ghana.
Click on each link to read more about each case/topic.
HRAC in the court
Remand prisoners – that is, prisoners who are held in prison without charge or trial, or on ‘remand’ – is a significant problem in Ghana, and one that HRAC has advocated on. This has included taking some of the cases of remand prisoners to the courts. Have a look at these links (below) to find out more. The first link is a summary of a case in 2012, where HRAC represented six remand prisoners. The second link tells the story of Harrison Dzubi, who was another remand prisoner which HRAC also had successfully released from prison.
Remand Prisoners in Ghana: The case for five remand prisoners
Remand Prisoners in Ghana: More detail about Harrison Dzubi
HRAC also has a human rights clinic, where you can read about some of our successes, and current cases. Have a look HERE.
HRAC as ‘amicus curiae’
Case: New Patriotic Party v Inspector-General of Police (1993)
This is a case about rallies held by the New Patriotic Party, and draws out issues of freedom of expression and association
Case: Jesus OneTouch
This is a case about the sexual abuse and defilement of a minor, and the subsequent appeal process.
Case: Mensah vs. Mensah (short summary) / Case: Mensah vs. Mensah (longer summary)
Mensah vs. Mensah is a case about women’s matrimonial rights following divorce.
Case: Adjei Ampofo vrs Attorney General, Accra Metropolitan Assembly
This case is about the night soil workers who have to carry pan latrines on their heads. Their lawyer, Adjej Ampofo, argued this was inhuman and degrading treatment which violated their human rights.
Case: Fedyag vrs. Public Universities
Fedyag vs Public Universities was a case about the payment of fees at public universities, which Fedyag tried to argue was unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Case: Ghana Commercial Bank Ltd v Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (29 January 2003)
This case is an unfair dismissal and anti-discrimination case against Ghana Commercial Bank. CHRAJ took the case to the courts when the bank refused to pay the amount of money that they determined.
Case: The Republic vs. Gorman and Others (7 July 2004)
This case is centred around issues of bail – how and why it is granted and refused.