To deepen and consolidate Ghana’s young democracy, the Country needs to recognise and appreciate the importance of core democratic institutions and assist them to function effectively and efficiently.

Mrs Araba Diaba, the Effutu Municipal Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) stated this at the maiden Quiz Competition organised for CHRAJ for Integrity Clubs it formed in schools in the Municipality to commemorate the 2019 International Human Rights Day.

The day, on the theme “Stand for Your Right”, was marked with a quiz competition to test the knowledge of pupils on fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.

After two rounds of questions, Synclaire International School placed first with 52 points, followed by Ampah Preparatory School with 50 and a half and University Practice Inclusive School took the third position with 28 points.

The pupils represented their schools and were awarded certificates and medals, and also trophies were presented to the respective participating schools.

Ms Diaba, said the 1992 Constitution charged the three arms of Government, Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary and Public Officers and other Institutions to respect and uphold Human Rights of the citizenry, although there were many instances, where people lost their lives under arbitrary situations, such as mob actions and lynching with victims including; women who are accused of witchcraft suspected thieves.

“These actions contradict the 1992 Constitution, and it is about time Ghanaians stood for their rights, in affirmative way to curb challenges of the respect for Human Rights”.

Ms. Diaba said if properly adhered to, Human Rights played significant roles in ensuring freedom, justice and peace in the world.

“The concept of Human Rights is that everyone is entitled to a decent living, personal liberty, education, shelter and many more”.

The rights of women and children should therefore be protected and atrocities meted out to women and children through witches camps, Trokosi and many more stamped out of society, she added.

Ms. Diaba stressed the need for more efforts to be made to include; human rights education in the school curriculum, especially at the Junior and Senior High School levels to help develop the culture of respect for Human Rights in children.

Mr Peter Abban, Effutu NCCE Director took the opportunity to school the gathering who were made up of teachers, heads of department and pupils, on corruption and the need for them to know their civic responsibilities and combine forces against corruption as it hindered development.