Geneva Conventions Bill goes through 2nd reading

Page 15, July 16, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah

THE Geneva Conventions Bill, currently before Parliament, has passed through its second reading stage of passage.
The Geneva Conventions are part of the International Humanitarian Law, made up of a set of rules that seek to protect people.
People which the law seeks to protect include civilians, medical, religious and military personnel and people who do not participate in fighting during war.
It also seeks to mitigate the effects of armed conflict and protect persons who were no longer participating in hostilities or have ceased to take part in war, including the wounded, shipwrecked, sick combatants and prisoners of war.
The Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Kwame Osei-Prempeh, moved the motion for the second reading of the bill and was seconded by the Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of the Parliament, Mr Yaw Baah.
Presenting the report of the committee, Mr Baah stated that the bill sought to give effect to the object and purpose of the four Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949 and additional protocols of June 10, 1977 by providing for their incorporation in Ghana’s domestic laws.
He said although International Humanitarian Law seemed to have gained universal acceptance, there were repeated violations which had made it necessary for states to ensure respect for these laws and their implementation.
Ghana ratified the four Geneva Conventions on August 2, 1958 and was the first signatory to the Additional Protocols in 1977.
In his contribution to the debate on the bill, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Member of Parliament for Akropong, Mr William Ofori Boafo, stated that the bill was consistent with the criminal and constitutional laws of Ghana which sought to protect the dignity of the individual.
“Since Ghana is part of the international community, it is appropriate to incorporate these international laws in its domestic laws”, he stated.