She said the 2010 Demographic and Health Survey showed that 36.6% of women had experienced physical violence by the age of 15. About one in four women have suffered physical/and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner (UN Women, 2022). She highlighted the plight of women head porters (kayeyei) in Ghana and other negative cultural practices that affect women, including workplace exploitation, child marriage, domestic violence, forced migration, virginity testing, and female genital mutilation.
Members of IAWJ Ghana Chapter, in a group photograph with the Chief Justice, the Hon. A-G and other dignitaries at the conference
She quoted article 39 (2) on cultural objectives, which states that ‘The State shall ensure that appropriate customary and cultural values are adapted and developed as an integral part of the growing needs of the society as a whole; and in particular, that traditional practices which are injurious to the health and well-being of the person are abolished’.
She encouraged Judges to apply the law in a manner that sends a signal of abhorrence of every form of exploitation, including the promotion of human rights and protection of women from harmful cultural and traditional practices.”
Chief Justice Torkornoo highlighted the role of the Judiciary in promoting human rights and fostering investment-friendly environments, emphasizing the importance of championing efficiency, integrity, and transparency in the justice delivery system. Justice Torkornoo noted that Judges can contribute to societal progress while safeguarding the rights of women and vulnerable populations.
H.E President Akufo-Addo addressing the conference
In his opening address, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo praised the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) for its unwavering commitment to advancing women’s rights and combating harmful cultural practices.
He commended the dedication of women Judges across Africa in advocating for justice and fairness, particularly in addressing issues such as gender-based violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and reiterated Ghana’s support for the Judiciary, emphasizing ongoing projects aimed at improving judicial infrastructure and ensuring the safety of Judges nationwide.
Members of IAWJ Ivory Coast Chapter at the Conference
Justice Binta Nyako, President of the IAWJ, noted that women still face discriminatory norms, cultural practices, and systematic biases, resulting in barriers to accessing justice.
Members of the Uganda Chapter of IAWJ at the Conference
Also in attendance were Ghana’s Attorney-General & Minister for Justice Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, Executive Director of IAWJ, Ms. Christie Jones, Regional Director of IAWJ for West and South Africa, Hon. Justice Roli Harriman, Regional Director IAWJ for Central and East Africa and President of IAWJ, Ghana Chapter, Her Ladyship Justice Rita Agyeman-Budu. The 5- day conference brought together 278 women Judges from 12 African Countries.
After the conference, participants had the opportunity to experience some of Ghana’s most beautiful tourist/historic destinations like the Elmina and Cape Coast Castles in the Central Region, the Accra Arts and Craft Market, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum, the Independence Square in Accra, a tour of the Cocoa Processing Factory and GTP Textile Factory both in Tema and a boat cruise from Akosombo to the Dodi Island in the Eastern Region.
Members of IAWJ Nigeria Chapter at the Conference
