Ghana Launches National Action Plan On Business And Human Rights: A Step Towards Protecting Citizens’ Rights

Accra, Ghana – July 11, 2025.

Ghana has taken a significant step towards protecting human rights by launching its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. The plan, developed by an 18-member intersectoral national steering committee under the co-chairmanship of the Office of the Attorney General, aims to prevent, mitigate, and remedy adverse human rights impacts of business and corporate activities in the country.

The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Joseph Whittal, made the announcement at the launch of the plan, which was attended by various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners. Whittal emphasized that the plan will serve as a reference point for marshaling efforts and measures to protect human rights in Ghana.

The development of the plan was informed by a national baseline assessment on business and human rights, which identified gaps in the application of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The assessment was conducted across all 16 regions of the country, with inputs from various stakeholders, including local and international organizations.

Ghana becomes the fifth country in Africa to have a national action plan on business and human rights, following Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Liberia. Whittal believes that Ghana’s plan is the best so far in Africa, given the extensive consultations that were made across the country and different demographics.

The plan is available in both hard copy and Braille, demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusivity. Whittal called on local and international partners to continue supporting the commission in setting up a fully-fledged, well-equipped, and functional implementation secretariat to oversee the implementation of the plan.

The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, as well as the Parliamentary Select Committee on Independent Constitutional Bodies and the Select Committee on Human Rights, have signaled their preparedness to expedite action on the adoption of the national action plan.

Whittal expressed gratitude to all partners, including the Government of Japan, Oxfam, ActionAid, UNICEF, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, for their financial and technical support.

The launch of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to protect human rights and promote responsible business practices.

As the country moves forward, it is expected that the plan will serve as a framework for ensuring that businesses respect human rights and that victims of human rights abuses have access to effective remedies.

Story by Fada Amakye from Daily Sun online