Reverend Dr. Lawrence Tetteh Urges Ghanaians to Uphold Human Dignity at 2025 Human Rights Day Conference

Chief Patron of the International Youth Network for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (IYNUNSCR), Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, has called on Ghanaians to embrace human dignity, reject discrimination, defend freedoms, and sustain interfaith harmony.  

His powerful address set the tone at Ghana’s landmark National Civil Society Conference, held at the UPSA Auditorium to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN@80) and the 2025 International Human Rights Day on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Mrs. Theophiline Bannerman, Convener of the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana in her opening remark highlighted the essential role of civil society in fostering accountability and societal progress.

“Civil society is the lifeblood of global cooperation. It is where the voices of the marginalized find resonance. Our advocacy ensures that policies reflect the realities of ordinary people, not just the rhetoric of officials,” she disclosed.

Mrs. Bannerman further called for strengthened collaboration between NGOs, government agencies, and the UN system to tackle pressing societal challenges, particularly those affecting women, children, and youth.

Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) speaking on the topic: “Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and the SDGs placed youth at the center of national development and stressed their vital role in shaping Ghana’s future.

“Youth leadership is not optional; it is a development imperative,” Dr. Wemakor declared.

As Convener of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana CSOs Platform on the SDGs, he highlighted the major challenges facing young Ghanaians, including limited participation in policymaking, rising unemployment, digital misinformation, and vulnerability to drug abuse, violence, and radicalization.

He showcased the transformative work of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, including the Nationwide Sensitization Campaign on Kidnapping, Teenage Pregnancy and Tramadol/Drug Abuse (KTT Project), which has educated over 60,000 Ghanaians on critical issues such as kidnapping, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse.

“Youth are not just beneficiaries of policy; they are key agents of change. When young people are empowered, societies thrive,” he said.

Dr. Wemakor urged government, civil society, and the UN system to adopt a youth-centered development agenda, including institutionalizing youth participation, protecting civic freedoms, investing in innovation and digital literacy, strengthening partnerships, and prioritizing marginalized youth.

“Token inclusion is not enough; we need real power-sharing and real opportunities for the next generation,” he emphasized.

The conference, organized by the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN DGC Ghana, also focused on gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusive development, reinforcing the vital role of civil society in national and global progress.

Dr. Angela Dwamena Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation, delivered her address on “Gender Justice and the Role of Women in Human Rights Advocacy.”

She stressed that persistent gender inequalities continue to undermine Ghana’s human rights progress.

She called for stronger law enforcement, increased women’s leadership, protection of vulnerable groups, and family support, noting that investing in women is investing in society, as women bear the brunt of unpaid labour while contributing disproportionately to national development.

Nana Yaa Serwaah Sarpong, General Manager of the EIB Network, spoke on “Civil Society and the Future of Multilateralism.”

She emphasized the importance of strengthening women’s participation across all sectors.

“For Africa to thrive, we must create spaces where women lead, innovate, and make decisions that shape our economies, communities, and governance. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a national imperative,” she hinted.