Accra: Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a serious concern in some Zongo communities across Ghana, despite laws banning the practice.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Joseph Akanjolenur Whittal, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), indicated that victims often feared reporting these violations, leading to continued abuse of their rights.
Mr. Whittal stressed the urgent need for intensified nationwide public education on the dangers and legal consequences of FGM. He stated, “The Criminal Offences Act clearly prohibits FGM, but some communities continue to ignore the law. Unfortunately, victims often fear reporting these violations, leading to continued abuse of their rights,” during a visit by the Select Committee on Independent Constitutional Bodies to CHRAJ.
The Select Committee on Independent Constitutional Bodies, led by Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Majority Leader, is undertaking visits to six independent constitutional bodies. These visits aim to assess operational challenges and identify areas where Parliament could offer support. The initiative is scheduled from Monday, May 12, to Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Bernard Ahiafor, who is also a Member of the Committee, assured CHRAJ that the issue of FGM would be brought before Parliament. He emphasized the importance of supporting stronger advocacy and educational efforts to eradicate FGM and similar practices. “We will present this matter to Parliament and support stronger advocacy and education efforts to eliminate FGM and similar practices,” Mr. Ahiafor asserted.
Meanwhile, during the Committee’s visit to the Electoral Commission (EC), Madam Jean Adukwei Mensa, Chairperson of the EC, discussed the administrative reforms implemented by the EC to educate the public and address claims of election rigging. She also requested assistance from the finance ministry to ensure payment for field workers who supervised recent elections, citing financial constraints.