The United States has raised serious concerns about Ghana’s democratic governance and human rights record, accusing the West African nation of a “recurring disregard” for constitutional protections.

The allegations, contained in the 2024 U.S. Human Rights Report, paint a troubling picture of growing impunity, attacks on press freedom, and persistent failures in the justice system.

Although the report acknowledges that Ghana’s overall human rights situation has not drastically worsened compared to previous years, it warns that long-standing problems—such as arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and the state’s inability or unwillingness to hold abusive officials accountable—remain unresolved.

Press Freedom Under Threat

One of the most alarming findings is the deteriorating safety of journalists, with the report documenting incidents of violence and harassment that have fuelled a climate of fear and self-censorship in the media.

A key example is the January 27, 2024 assault on Citi FM/TV correspondent Mohammed Alabira, who was attacked by former Yendi MP Farouk Aliu Mahama and his supporters while covering a violent political primary.

Despite public outrage and a strong demand from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for Mahama’s arrest and prosecution, the report notes that no legal action had been taken against the ex-MP by the end of the year.

The U.S. assessment further warns that smaller and politically unaffiliated media houses are especially vulnerable to intimidation, often resorting to self-censorship to avoid legal battles or physical harm.

Abuse of Arrest Powers and Prolonged Detentions

The Ghanaian constitution clearly prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, but the report asserts that this safeguard is frequently ignored.

It details cases where individuals were held well beyond the legal 48-hour limit without formal charges, sometimes for years—longer than the maximum sentence for the alleged offence.

In one cited incident, a suspect accused of “unnatural carnal knowledge” was detained for an extended period without evidence.

The case was eventually dropped due to insufficient proof, but not before the individual endured prolonged, unlawful incarceration.

Delays are often attributed to police negligence, missing case files, and the inability of many detainees to secure affordable legal representation.

Labour Rights Undermined by Weak Enforcement

The report also turns a spotlight on the labour sector, revealing that while laws exist to protect workers’ rights, enforcement is weak or inconsistent. Freedom of association and collective bargaining are legally recognised, but unions face steep fees for registration and renewal.

The government also imposes broad restrictions on the right to strike, categorising a wide range of industries as “essential services” in a manner that exceeds international standards.

Labour inspectors, according to the report, are undertrained, understaffed, and lack the authority to impose meaningful sanctions.

As a result, wage violations are rampant, and the national minimum wage of 18.15 cedis ($1.27) is not effectively applied—particularly in the informal sector.