Source: http://constitutions.unwomen.org/en/countries/africa/ghana
Timestamp: 2019-02-16 06:04:26
Document Index: 470186772

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art. 17', 'Art. 35', 'Art. 6', 'Art. 7', 'Art. 8', 'Art. 9', 'Art. 130', 'Art. 38', 'Art. 27', 'Art. 12', 'Art. 17', 'Art. 297', 'Art. 33', 'Art. 290', 'Art. 41', 'Art. 216', 'Art. 218', 'Art. 11', 'Art. 12', 'Art. 31', 'Art. 22', 'Art. 28', 'Art. 21', 'Art. 42', 'Art. 55', 'Art. 45', 'Art. 57', 'Art. 62', 'Art. 78', 'Art. 93', 'Art. 94', 'Art. 21', 'Art. 1', 'Art. 41', 'Art. 26', 'Art. 270', 'Art. 272', 'Art. 274', 'Art. 277']

Constitution of the Republic of Ghana 1992, as amended to 1996
Status of Religious/Customary Law and Institutions 9
Customary Law 9
(d) for making different provision for different communities having regard to their special circumstances not being provision which is inconsistent with the spirit of this Constitution. (Art. 17)
(6)Towards the achievement of the objectives stated in clause (5) of this article, the State shall take appropriate measures to—
… (Art. 35)
(3) A child of not more than seven years of age found in Ghana whose parents are not known shall be presumed to be a citizen of Ghana by birth.
(4) A child of not more than sixteen years of age neither of whose parents is a citizen of Ghana who is adopted by a citizen of Ghana shall, by virtue of the adoption, be a citizen of Ghana. (Art. 6)
(6) In the case of a man seeking registration, clause (1) of this article applies only if the applicant permanently resides in Ghana. (Art. 7)
(1) A citizen of Ghana may hold the citizenship of any other country in addition to his citizenship of Ghana.
(3) Where the law of a country requires a person who marries a citizen of that country to renounce the citizenship of his own country by virtue of that marriage, a citizen of Ghana who is deprived of his citizenship of Ghana by virtue of that marriage shall, on the dissolution of that marriage, become a citizen of Ghana”. (Art. 8)
(3) The High Court may, on an application made for the purpose by the Attorney-General, deprive a person who is a citizen of Ghana, otherwise than by birth, of that citizenship on the ground—
(b) that the citizenship was acquired by fraud, misrepresentation or any other improper or irregular practice. …
(5) Parliament may make provision by Act of Parliament for—
(a) the renunciation by any person of his citizenship of Ghana;
(b) the circumstances in which a person may acquire citizenship of Ghana or cease to be a citizen of Ghana. (Art. 9)
(1) Subject to the jurisdiction of the High Court in the enforcement of the Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms as provided in article 33 of this Constitution, the Supreme Court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction in— (a) all matters relating to the enforcement or interpretation of this Constitution; and
(2) Where an issue that relates to a matter or question referred to in clause (1) of this article arises in any proceedings in a court other than the Supreme Court, that court shall stay the proceedings and refer the question of law involved to the Supreme Court for determination; and the court in which the question arose shall dispose of the case in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court. (Art. 130)
(1) All persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities and facilities and with a view to achieving the full realisation of that right—
(3) The State shall, subject to the availability of resources, provide—
(c) life-long education. (Art. 38)
(1) Special care shall be accorded to mothers during a reasonable period before and after child-birth; and during those periods, working mothers shall be accorded paid leave.
(2) Facilities shall be provided for the care of children below school-going age to enable women, who have the traditional care for children, realise their full potential.
(3) Women shall be guaranteed equal rights to training and promotion without any impediments from any person. (Art. 27)
… IN EXERCISE of our natural and inalienable right to establish a framework of government which shall secure for ourselves and posterity the blessings of liberty, equality of opportunity and prosperity; … (Preamble)
(2) Every person in Ghana, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, religion, creed or gender shall be entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual contained in this Chapter but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest. (Art. 12)
(3) For the purposes of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, gender, occupation, religion or creed, whereby persons of one description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another description are not made subject or are granted privileges or advantages which are not granted to persons of another description.
(4) Nothing in this article shall prevent Parliament from enacting laws that are reasonably necessary to provide—
(b) for matters relating to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death or other matters of personal law;
(c) for the imposition of restrictions on the acquisition of land by persons who are not citizens of Ghana or on the political and economic activities of such persons and for other matters relating to such persons; or
(5) Nothing shall be taken to be inconsistent with this article which is allowed to be done under any provision of this Chapter. (Art. 17)
In this Constitution and in any other law—
… (Art. 297)
… AND IN SOLEMN declaration and affirmation of our commitment to; …
The protection and preservation of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms, Unity and Stability for our Nation; … (Preamble)
(5) The rights, duties, declarations and guarantees relating to the fundamental human rights and freedoms specifically mentioned in this Chapter shall not be regarded as excluding others not specifically mentioned which are considered to be inherent in a democracy and intended to secure the freedom and dignity of man. (Art. 33)
(2) The State shall enact appropriate laws to assure—
(1) This article applies to the amendment of the following provisions of this Constitution, which are, in this Constitution referred to as “entrenched provisions”—
… (Art. 290)
The exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from the performance of duties and obligations, and accordingly, it shall be the duty of every citizen—
(d) to respect the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of others, and generally to refrain from doing acts detrimental to the welfare of other persons; … (Art. 41)
(1) Where a person alleges that a provision of this Constitution on the fundamental human rights and freedoms has been, or is being or is likely to be contravened in relation to him, then, without prejudice to any other action that is lawfully available, that person may apply to the High Court for redress.
(2) The High Court may, under clause (1) of this article, issue such directions or orders or writs including writs or orders in the nature of habeas corpus, certiorari, mandamus, prohibition, and quo warranto as it may consider appropriate for the purposes of enforcing or securing the enforcement of any of the provisions on the fundamental human rights and freedoms to the protection of which the person concerned is entitled.
(3) A person aggrieved by a determination of the High Court may appeal to the Court of Appeal with the right of a further appeal to the Supreme Court.
There shall be established by Act of Parliament within six months after Parliament first meets after the coming into force of this Constitution, a Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice which shall consist of—
(a) a Commissioner for Human Rights and Administrative Justice; and
(b) two Deputy Commissioners for Human Rights and Administrative Justice. (Art. 216)
The functions of the Commission shall be defined and prescribed by Act of Parliament and shall include the duty—
(a) to investigate complaints of violations of fundamental rights and freedoms, injustice, corruption, abuse of power and unfair treatment of any person by a public officer in the exercise of his official duties;
(b) to investigate complaints concerning the functioning of the Public Services Commission, the administrative organs of the State, the Armed Forces, the Police Service and the Prisons Service in so far as complaints relate to the failure to achieve a balanced structuring of those services or equal access by all to the recruitment of those services or fair administration in relation to those services;
(c) to investigate complaints concerning practices and actions by persons, private enterprises and other institutions where those complaints allege violations of fundamental rights and freedoms under this Constitution;
(d) to take appropriate action to call for the remedying, correction and reversal of instances specified in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this clause through such means as are fair, proper and effective, …
(f) to educate the public as to human rights and freedoms by such means as the Commissioner may decide, including publications, lectures and symposia; and
g) to report annually to Parliament on the performance of its functions. (Art. 218)
The office of the Ombudsman in existence immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution shall, until the President appoints the Commissioner for Human Rights and Administrative Justice and his Deputies, and provision is otherwise made, continue as if it forms part of the Office of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice. (First Schedule, Transitional Provisions, Art. 11)
(2) Every person in Ghana, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, religion, creed or gender shall be entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual contained in this Chapter2 but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest. (Art. 12)
(10) Nothing in, or done under the authority of, an Act of Parliament shall be held to be inconsistent with, or in contravention of, articles 12 to 303 of this Constitution to the extent that the Act in question authorises the taking, during any period when a state of emergency is in force, of measures that are reasonably justifiable for the purposes of dealing with the situation that exists during that period. (Art. 31)
(3) With a view to achieving the full realisation of the rights referred to in clause (2) of this article—
(b) assets which are jointly acquired during marriage shall be distributed equitably between the spouses upon dissolution of the marriage. (Art. 22)
(1) Parliament shall enact such laws as are necessary to ensure that—
(c) parents undertake their natural right and obligation of care, maintenance and upbringing of their children in co-operation with such institutions as Parliament may, by law, prescribe in such manner that in all cases the interest of the children are paramount;
(5) For the purposes of this article, “child” means a person below the age of eighteen years. (Art. 28)
(6) Towards the achievement of the objectives stated in clause (5) of this article, the State shall take appropriate measures to—
(e) freedom of association, which shall include freedom to form or join trade unions or other associations, national and international, for the protection of their interest; …
(3) All citizens shall have the right and freedom to form or join political parties and to participate in political activities subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a free and democratic society and are consistent with this Constitution. … (Art. 21)
Every citizen of Ghana of eighteen years of age or above and of sound mind has the right to vote and is entitled to be registered as a voter for the purposes of public elections and referenda. (Art. 42)
… (Art. 55)
(3) Subject to the provisions of this article, a political party is free to participate in shaping the political will of the people, to disseminate information on political ideas, social and economic programmes of a national character, and sponsor candidates for elections to any public office other than to District Assemblies or lower local government units.
(5) The internal organization of a political party shall conform to democratic principles and its actions and purposes shall not contravene or be inconsistent with this Constitution or any other law.
The Electoral Commission shall have the following functions— (a) to compile the register of voters and revise it at such periods as may be determined by law;
(f) to perform such other functions as may be prescribed by law. (Art. 45)
(1) There shall be a President of the Republic of Ghana who shall be the Head of State and Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ghana.
… (Art. 57)
A person shall not be qualified for election as the President of Ghana unless—
(c) he is a person who is otherwise qualified to be elected a Member of Parliament, except that the disqualifications set out in paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of clause (2) of article 94 of this Constitution shall not be removed, in respect of any such person, by a presidential pardon or by the lapse of time as provided for in clause (5) of that article. (Art. 62)
(2) A candidate for the office of Vice-President shall be designated by the candidate for the office of President before the election of the President.
… (Art. 78)
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the legislative power of Ghana shall be vested in Parliament and shall be exercised in accordance with this Constitution. (Art. 93)
… (Art. 94)
(1) Every person has the right to own property either alone or in association with others.
(1) All stool lands in Ghana shall vest in the appropriate stool on behalf of, and in trust for the subjects of the stool in accordance with customary law and usage.
(2) There shall be established the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands which shall be responsible for—
(3) There shall be no disposition or development of any stool land unless the Regional Lands Commission of the region in which the land is situated has certified that the disposition or development is consistent with the development plan drawn up or approved by the planning authority for the area concerned.
(7) The Administrator of Stool Lands and the Regional Lands Commission shall consult with the stools and other traditional authorities in all matters relating to the administration and development of stool land and shall make available to them all relevant information and data.
(8) The Lands Commission and the Administrator of Stool lands shall co-ordinate with all relevant public agencies and traditional authorities and stools in preparing a policy framework for the rational and productive development and management of stool lands.
(2) No person shall, whether or not he is arrested, restricted or detained, be subjected to—
except so far as that provision or, as the case may be, the thing done under the authority of that law is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in terms of the spirit of this Constitution. (Art. 21)
(d) children and young persons receive special protection against exposure to physical and moral hazards;
(2) This Constitution shall be the supreme law of Ghana and any other law found to be inconsistent with any provision of this Constitution shall to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. (Art. 1)
… (Art. 41)
(1) The laws of Ghana shall comprise—
(2) All customary practices which dehumanise or are injurious to the physical and mental well-being of a person are prohibited. (Art. 26)
(2) 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.
(2) Parliament shall have no power to enact any law which—
(3) Nothing in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with, or in contravention of, clause (1) or (2) of this article if the law makes provision for—
(a) the determination, in accordance with the appropriate customary law and usage, by a traditional council, a Regional House of Chiefs or the National House of Chiefs or a Chieftaincy Committee of any of them, of the validity of the nomination, election, selection, installation or deposition of a person as a chief;
(b) a traditional council or a Regional House of Chiefs or the National House of Chiefs to establish and operate a procedure for the registration of chiefs and the public notification in the Gazette or otherwise of the status of persons as chiefs in Ghana. (Art. 270)
The National House of Chiefs shall—
(d) perform such other functions, not being inconsistent with any function assigned to the House of Chiefs of a region, as Parliament may refer to it. (Art. 272)
(3) A Regional House of Chiefs shall—
… (Art. 274)
In this Chapter unless the context otherwise requires, “chief” means a person, who, hailing from the appropriate family and lineage, has been validly nominated, elected or selected and enstooled, enskinned or installed as a chief or queenmother in accordance with the relevant customary law and usage. (Art. 277)
Constitution of the Republic of Ghana 1992, as amended to 1996 (English).
Chapter Five on Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms.