Hon Alhassan Kobina Ghansah
Asikuma/Odoben/ Brakwa

Thank you, Mr Speaker for giving me the opportunity to make this Statement. The World Day of Social Justice celebrated by many nations worldwide is observed annually on February 20th.

The date was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 and first celebrated in 2009. The day aims to promote social justice and address issues such as poverty, exclusion, unemployment, gender inequality and human rights violations. The United Nations emphasises that social justice is essential for achieving peace and security globally.

Mr Speaker, the theme for this year’s celebration is “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice” which emphasises the necessity for inclusive policies and social protection to combat systemic inequalities. The United Nations commitment to social justice is evident through various initiatives including the Social Protection Floor Initiative which aims to ensure basic social guarantees for all individuals.

Mr Speaker, the importance of social justice has been underscored by various international frameworks including the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair globalisation, adopted in 2008. The observance also aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly Goal 1, which involves eradicating poverty in all its forms; Goal 5, that promotes achieving gender inequality and empowering all women and girls in society; Goal 8, which encompasses promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth and; Goal 10, which emphasises reducing inequalities within and among countries.

This is reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (U.D.H.R), adopted in 1948, which outlines fundamental human rights that promotes dignity, equality and fairness for all. Ghana as an active member of the United Nations embraces this day to reinforce its commitment to social justice within the context of its socio-economic challenges and development aspiration. Social justice in Ghana has made considerable strides in its commitment to human rights and social equity particularly, in recent decades.

Mr Speaker, Ghana faces significant challenges in achieving full social justice for all of its citizens. Issues like poverty, gender inequality, youth unemployment and access to education remain critical concerns. For instance, rural communities often experience limited access to essential services such as healthcare, education and clean water. In response to these challenges, Ghana has implemented several social policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of its citizens. These include the National Social Protection Policy which aims to reduce poverty and inequality through various safety nets such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme.

Mr Speaker, let me reiterate that some organisations in Ghana such as the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Centre for Democratic Development (CDD–Ghana), Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Action Aid Ghana, Ghana Bar Association, Ghana Journalist Association and Ghana Trade Union Congress are supporting the agenda to achieve this success. On this day, the Ghanaian Government, in collaboration with the United Nations and other international organisations, highlights its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and also serve as an opportunity to remind citizens, policy makers and global stakeholders that, the fight for social justice is an ongoing process that requires collective action.

Mr Speaker, there are some other challenges in addressing some of these social justices and the Government, civil society and individuals must work together to promote social justice and human rights for all. However, this requires a multifaceted approach that includes promoting inclusive and equitable economic growth; strengthening social protection systems; advancing human rights and the rule of law; empowering marginalised and vulnerable populations in society.

Mr Speaker, despite these efforts, social injustice remains a significant challenge in Ghana and some parts of the world. The country continues to grapple with issues such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including women, children, and persons with disabilities. The recent plan by President Donald Trump of the United States of America (USA) to take over the Palestinian settlement in the Gaza Strip is unfortunately, a clear indication of the non-existence of social justice.

Mr Speaker, I call on the United Nations (UN) to seriously consider and address these issues. Pope Paul VI once positively declared that, “development is the new name for peace” emphasising that “excessive economic, social and cultural inequalities among people arouse, tensions and conflicts and are a danger to peace”. This is at the heart of social justice across the nations of this world which must be observed.

Mr Speaker, World Day of Social Justice 2025, represents a crucial opportunity for nations like Ghana to reaffirm their commitment to social equity by focusing on increasing and bridging gaps in society, both globally and locally. Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.