Notes on the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice under the 1992 Ghanaian Constitution

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Periodical article

Title:	Notes on the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice under the 1992 Ghanaian Constitution
Author:	Ayee, Joseph R.A.
Year:	1994
Periodical:	Verfassung und Recht in Übersee
Volume:	27
Issue:	2
Pages:	159-170
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	human rights ombudsman
Abstract:	One of the institutions created under Ghana's 1992 Constitution to promote and safeguard public accountability and human rights is the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), or what is commonly known in Scandinavian countries as an ombudsman institution. This paper examines the powers and jurisdiction of the CHRAJ, its composition, procedures for the handling and disposal of complaints and investigations by the CHRAJ, and the financial position of the CHRAJ. It also reviews earlier experiments with the ombudsman system in Ghana. It concludes that in theory, the CHRAJ has been endowed with sufficient power to promote human rights and check abuse of power, but in practice, it lacks the financial autonomy that will enable it to perform its task effectively and efficiently. Ref., sum. (p. 157).