By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, May 12, GNA – Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a serious concern in some Zongo communities across Ghana, despite laws banning the practice.
According to Mr. Joseph Akanjolenur Whittal, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), victims often feared reporting these violations, leading to continued abuse of their rights.
Mr. Whittal emphasized the need for intensified nationwide public education on the dangers and legal consequences of FGM.
“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,” he said on Monday when the Select Committee on Independent Constitutional Bodies paid a working visit to CHRAJ.
The Select Committee on Independent Constitutional Bodies, chaired by Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Majority Leader, is conducting a series of visits to six independent constitutional bodies to assess their operational challenges and identify areas where Parliament could offer support.
The visit is scheduled from Monday, May 12, to Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Bernard Ahiafor, and also a Member of the Committee assured CHRAJ that the matter would be presented to Parliament.
He pledged support for stronger advocacy and education efforts to eliminate 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 said.
Meanwhile, during the Committee’s visit to the Electoral Commission (EC), Madam Jean Adukwei Mensa, Chairperson of the EC, outlined administrative reforms undertaken by the EC to educate the public and curb assertions that the EC allegedly rigged elections.
She pleaded for assistance in getting the finance ministry to pay field workers who supervised recent elections, citing a current cash trap.
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