Tamale: A training workshop on human rights legislation, public order, and civic responsibilities was held in Tamale to educate stakeholders on civic space and how to claim it. The event aimed to enlighten participants about their rights and responsibilities, and the intersection of these with the rights of others.
According to Ghana News Agency, the workshop brought together personnel from the Ghana Police Service, representatives from labor unions, public institutions, NGOs, political parties, youth groups, and the media, among others. It was part of the ‘Claim Your Space – Strengthening Civic Engagement in Ghana’ project. This initiative is designed to bolster the country’s civic space by enhancing citizens’ participation and engagement with state actors.
The project, led by the Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA) in partnership with Transparency International, Ghana, and the Ghana Journalists Association, aims to empower citizens to exercise their democratic rights. It also seeks to foster dialogue between the public, including the Ghana Police Service, and other relevant stakeholders.
During the workshop, Mr. Michael Boadi, Fundraising and Resource Mobilization Manager at Transparency International, Ghana, presented on ‘human rights legislation, public order and civic responsibilities’. He stressed the importance of educating people to understand civic spaces, where citizens can freely express themselves, associate with others, and participate in public life without fear of intimidation.
Mr. Boadi emphasized the need for mutual respect of rights to maintain a harmonious civic space. He remarked, “Claim your space but claim it lawfully and peacefully. There is no point in trying to exercise your rights by violating others’ rights. But at the same time, there is also no point in keeping quiet while your rights are being violated.”
Alhaji Osman Abdel-Rahman, Executive Director of GDCA, highlighted the project’s goal to cultivate a more informed and active citizenry capable of engaging meaningfully with institutions, particularly law enforcement agencies. He stated, “The goal is to ensure that citizens are not only aware of their rights but also have the confidence and knowledge to express them responsibly.”
Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, the Northern Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, encouraged the public to adhere to established legal procedures and avoid taking the law into their own hands. Some participants expressed the need for regular interactions between the citizenry and law enforcement agencies to deepen relationships for enhanced civic space.