PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT: - How Ghana can step up its commitments

The purpose of this Baseline was to evaluate the Government of Ghana’s progress in achieving its obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and fundamental freedoms, the compliance level of businesses in respecting applicable laws and upholding human rights in the performance of their functions and the existence of appropriate and effective judicial and non-judicial remedies accessibl. [...] It further calls on the African Union to appropriately reflect relevant soft-law instruments (such as the UN GP) of the African Commission in updating and finalizing the African Union Policy Framework on Business and Human Rights, as well as the new context of the operationalization of the AfCFTA. [...] In 2022 and 2023, the Government of Ghana has continued to take positive strides, which include the commissioning of a National Baseline Assessment on Business & Human Rights and, the organisation of 16 Regional Consultations on Business & Human Rights under the leadership of the Commission for Human Rights & Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). [...] However, the addendum to the report of the 4th sessionxx does specifically refer to Ghana’s active engagement as a member of the core group on Business & Human Rights noting that: “We heard this week a reaffirmation of the global consensus on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as the existing authoritative framework for all States and stakeholders to make immediate and tangible. [...] We also need to fully use the tools developed or being developed by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, including its forthcoming guidance for States and business on action to safeguard and support human rights defenders in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.” This statement would appear to reflect the current high level of engagement of the Government.