The Centre for Victims of Injustice has lauded Ghana’s parliament for the historic repeal of the death penalty.
This provision which had been in Ghana’s statute books for over 50 years, was successfully repealed by the House on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
The repeal marks a momentous shift towards valuing human life and embracing international human rights positions.
In the landmark decision, parliament by majority votes passed the Criminal Amendment Bill to Repeal Section of the Criminal and other offences Act, 1960, Act 29 and Armed Forces Act 1962, Act 105 to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment.
Felix Engsalige Nyaaba, the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Victims of Injustice, lauded this historic move, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to upholding the intrinsic value of human life and recognizing rehabilitation as a cornerstone of the justice system.
“This momentous decision showcases a progressive approach towards justice and marks a significant step forward in aligning the legal system with evolving societal values.”
“By amending the Criminal and Other Offences Act 1960, Act 29 and the Armed Forces Act 1962, Act 105, to address the death penalty, Ghana has demonstrated a commitment to upholding the intrinsic value of human life and recognizing rehabilitation as a cornerstone of the justice system. This decision reflects a deeper understanding that the purpose of punishment should ultimately be to reform and reintegrate individuals into society, rather than perpetuate a cycle of violence and retribution.”
Mr Nyaaba stated that punishment should focus on reforming and reintegrating individuals into society, rather than perpetuating a cycle of violence and retribution.
“Moreover, this laudable action by the Parliament of Ghana aligns the nation with a growing global consensus on the drawbacks and potential injustices associated with capital punishment. Many countries around the world have progressively either abolished or strongly restricted the use of the death penalty, recognizing its irrevocability and the risk of wrongful convictions.”
He also added that the repeal of the death penalty serves as an inspiration to other nations and a testament to Ghana’s unwavering dedication to human rights and the fair administration of justice.
“This legislative amendment serves as an inspiration to other nations and a testament to Ghana’s unwavering dedication to human rights and the fair administration of justice. It is a testament to the parliamentarians’ commitment to keeping Ghana in line with international human rights standards, fostering a society built on compassion, fairness, and rehabilitation.”
“We commend the Parliament of Ghana, especially the Speaker, Rt Hon Alban Bagbin, the MP for Madina, Hon Francis Xavier Sosu, and the entire parliamentarians for acknowledging the need for reform, engaging in open discussions, and listening to different perspectives before reaching this landmark decision. This demonstrates the depth and maturity of Ghana’s democratic processes, as well as the commitment to ensuring that laws meet the needs and reflect the aspirations of the citizens.”
