An Assessment Of The Contribution Of Amnesty International Towards The Promotion Of Human Rights In Ghana

ABSTRACT Human Rights and its laws are fundamental pillars that have been conventionalised to safeguard the life of every individual globally. It has, therefore, become a global concern that has attracted both local and international organisations, spearheading objectives and activities to see people from all race, religion, culture, language, sex, nationality, colour and ethnic groups propagate a common goal for interdependency and universality. As a result, governments across the world and international organisations are collaborating in diverse ways to promote these rights that are fundamental to every individual’s life. Among these bodies is Amnesty International, which has been in existence across continents since the 1960s. Through certain laws, conventions, rules and regulations, which are laid down with statutory endorsements, Amnesty International has worked over the decades to promote human rights wherever need be. The scope of their work span across different approaches such as consultations, advocacy, education, interventions among others, with the aim of seeking human rights at the core of its objectives. It is based on this mandate, that the organisation established the Ghana section in the 1970s. Amnesty International’s mandate attracts many influences such as cultural, economic, social, political and religious which one-way or the other births a challenge or success within any location of their operation. Ghana in this perspective is not an exception. Since its operations began in Ghana, like any other country, there has been pitfalls and challenges in their line of duty to project the concept of human rights to all. The study used a qualitative research approach infused with both semi-structured interviews and the review of books and journal articles in order to assess its role as to whether it is duly contributing to the promotion of human rights in Ghana or otherwise. With all the challenging factors that affect the objectives of the organisation, their contribution to the improvement of human rights in the Ghanaian community is worth knowing. Policy changes and promotions, death penalty abolition, a national housing policy, increased human rights, awareness and sensitization among others, are tangible successes the organisation has recorded and these areas are recommended for assessment and further studies.