AU Commissioner commends Ghana’s leadership in advancing women’s rights as VP reaffirms access to justice for all
Human Rights Reporters
3 min read
Ghana’s commitment to advancing women’s rights has earned praise from Hon. Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, Vice Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
Speaking through Mr. Edmund Amarkwei Foley, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Commission, at the official launch of the 2025 Legal Aid Week Celebration on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast City–Accra, she commended the country for translating continental human rights frameworks into practical protections.
Hon. Commissioner Sallah-Njie emphasized the importance of accessible legal aid for women and girls, highlighting that the Maputo Protocol, which Ghana has domesticated, obliges states to ensure legal aid is available, accessible, and effective for women.
“By integrating legal aid within the human rights framework, Ghana is demonstrating how continental commitments can translate into real change for women and vulnerable populations,” her message read.
She urged the government to continue increasing resource allocation to the Legal Aid Commission to strengthen protection at the grassroots level.
In addition to serving as Vice Chairperson of the ACHPR, Commissioner Sallah-Njie is Country Rapporteur for Ghana and Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, roles in which she monitors progress on gender justice and women’s rights across the continent.
She praised Ghana for prioritizing women’s rights through legislation and policy.
The 2025 Legal Aid Week, held under the theme: “The Role of the Legal Aid Commission in Enhancing Access to Justice for Women and Girls in Ghana: Harnessing the Maputo Protocol,” attracted high-level government and international representation.
Representing the government, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, through Mrs. Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Legal Counsel to the President, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to gender equality and justice for marginalized groups.
“Our commitment to access to justice is not only a constitutional imperative but also a global responsibility,” the Vice President said. “Ensuring justice for the poor and marginalized contributes directly to peace, stability, and good governance—the pillars of national development.”
She highlighted Ghana’s ratification of the Maputo Protocol and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), noting that these instruments have guided landmark legislation such as the Affirmative Action Gender Equality Act, 2024 (Act 1121).
She also called for increased investment in the Legal Aid Fund to enable the Commission to reach more communities.
In his opening remark, Mr. Edmund Amarkwei Foley, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Commission Foley reaffirmed the Legal Aid Commission’s commitment to providing legal services under the Legal Aid Commission Act, 2018 (Act 977).
With 45 district offices and 193 staff members, the Commission continues to bridge the gap between the law and the people through legal advice, representation, and public education. Plans for a 24-hour Legal Aid Call Centre and Gender Desks in regional offices were announced to enhance support for women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Dr. Stefano Kareklas, representing the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), emphasized the importance of affordable and accessible justice to prevent inequality, while Dr. Brenda Akia, Vice Chair of the UN CEDAW Committee, noted that legal aid must be economically feasible, particularly for women in rural and disadvantaged communities.
The weeklong celebration features legal clinics, school outreach, roadshows, and community education, all aimed at raising awareness of women’s rights and ensuring access to justice.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through GIZ, the initiative aligns with Ghana’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16, promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Appiah-Oppong officially launched the 2025 Legal Aid Week, describing it as “a springboard to make justice a lived reality for every Ghanaian woman and girl.”
The Legal Aid Commission of Ghana, established under Act 977, continues to provide free legal services, advice, and education to indigent and vulnerable persons, reinforcing Ghana’s constitutional and international commitment to equal access to justice for all.
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