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The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-GHANA) recently concluded a two-day training workshop for the Northern Regional Police Command, focusing on human rights education and its application in policing.
The training aimed to equip police officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect human rights, particularly in the context of Ghana’s current human rights landscape. Participants engaged in discussions on emerging human rights issues, minority rights concerns, and the constitution and Ghana’s international obligations to promote and protect human rights.
The training emphasized the importance of human rights education in policing, highlighting its role in promoting public trust and confidence in law enforcement. Participants recognized the need for continuous training and capacity-building to address structural weaknesses in policing and ensure that officers are equipped to navigate complex human rights situations.
Dr. Akagbor emphasized that police officers need a better understanding of constitutional rights. “Police personnel themselves need to grasp what human rights truly mean,” he said. “They need training on why the Constitution includes human rights provisions.” He added, “Just because someone’s suspected of a crime doesn’t mean they lose their rights.”
Dr. Akagbor also highlighted CDD’s efforts, noting that advocacy and litigation have shifted the debate. “Given the bill’s history, if not for CDD-Ghana’s efforts, it might’ve become law already,” he said, referencing the previous Parliament.
The CDD-GHANA’s initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to promote human rights and democratic governance in Ghana. The organization has been working with security agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, to enhance their capacity to respect and protect human rights.5
During the training, participants identified several human rights challenges facing police officers in the Northern Region, including inadequate knowledge of human rights laws and procedures, limited access to resources and support, and societal attitudes that perpetuate human rights abuses. To address these challenges, participants recommended increased training and capacity-building, improved access to resources and support, and community engagement and outreach programs.
Ghana’s top human rights lawyers and a leading civil society activist have cautioned that the reintroduced Anti-LGBTQ Bill poses significant threats to LGBTQ individuals, police officers, journalists, and everyday citizens.
William Nyarko Esq., Executive Director of ACILA, clarified that the bill is often misunderstood as targeting only LGBTQ individuals. He stressed that it actually has broader implications for all citizens, including law-abiding citizens and police officers. “There’s a misconception that this bill only affects queer people,” Nyarko said. “But as we explained it to police officers, they realized it’s not just about gays – it’s about them, everyday people, and all Ghanaians.”
Civil society organizations, including human rights groups and development partners, have a critical role to play in supporting human rights education and promotion in Ghana’s security agencies. Barker-Vormawor, who has experienced police brutality firsthand as an activist, emphasized that real change goes beyond just teaching officers about laws. “If theory was enough, graduating from police academy would be sufficient,” he said. “But it’s not. You need to build context, relationships, and empathy. This is about changing mindsets, not just academics – we’re working to rewire how people think.”
The workshop was also led by human rights experts, including Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua from the School of Law, University of Ghana, and Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh, a Senior Fellow at CDD-Ghana.
The workshop concluded with a call to action for police officers to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training to promote and protect human rights in their daily work.
