Human Rights Workshop Promotes Inclusivity and Diversity in Ghanaian Universities

Accra, Ghana, September 11, 2024—A crucial workshop dedicated to human rights, inclusivity, and diversity took place at the Erata Hotel in Accra.

It was organized by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).

The event convened deans of students, counselors, and student leaders to explore critical challenges surrounding inclusivity in light of recent legislative changes affecting student rights.

Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, the Board Chair of CDD-Ghana and Dean of the School of Information and Communications Studies at the University of Ghana, made an insightful presentation titled “Communicating on Diversity and Inclusion: Protecting Private and Confidential Data.”

She emphasized the importance of maintaining students’ privacy while actively promoting an inclusive campus climate.

In her address, Professor Gadzekpo pointed out troubling incidents where students with disabilities and those in the LGBTQI community have encountered discrimination and violence.

She communicated the urgent need for universities to expand their definitions of inclusivity. “The university is a bit gun-shy right now about really expanding on how they define inclusivity and diversity. We must account for all manner of differences, including gender, social demographics, and sexual orientation,” she stated during a following interview.

To tackle the identified challenges, Professor Gadzekpo proposed proactive initiatives, including the launch of awareness campaigns aimed at fostering respect and tolerance on campuses. “It’s essential for universities to send strong signals about their commitment to inclusivity,”

she emphasized, supporting the creation of comprehensive social issues management plans to enhance sensitivity and crisis communication across institutions.

Emerita Professor Takyiwaa Manuh, a Senior Fellow at CDD-Ghana, reinforced these ideas in her presentation on human rights and diversity in higher education. “The university is not a secondary school; it is a place for adults,” she asserted, highlighting the necessity for academic environments that promote open dialogue and encourage expression.

Professor Manuh stressed the need to educate students not just on human rights but also about their own rights and the broader human rights context around them. She advocated for the establishment of learning environments that comply with human rights standards, calling for policies and support services that help all students feel secure and valued. “Comprehensive policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination within educational institutions are essential to uphold their right to education,” she stated.

Additionally, Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua from the University of Ghana School of Law and Director of the Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom addressed the role of academic freedom in nurturing a diverse educational setting.

“Academic freedom is not solely the privilege of faculty; it also encompasses students’ rights to engage in meaningful debates and discussions,” he pointed out. He indicated that when students feel safe to voice their opinions, it enriches the academic environment and stimulates critical thinking.

Dr. Michael Augustus Akagbor, a Senior Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana, commented on the timeliness of the workshop, raising concerns that many attendees, including deans of students, had not engaged with key legislative changes affecting student rights.

“It is concerning that many participants had not read the bill that is of such national importance,” he remarked, urging public officials to separate personal biases from their professional roles, especially in sensitive situations.

The workshop sparked vibrant discussions highlighting varied perspectives on LGBTQI rights and issues facing sexual and gender minorities.

While some participants voiced strong support for recognizing and protecting these rights, others exhibited discomfort, illustrating a significant divide in views on inclusivity within university settings.

“It has worked out well for me, but we need to dialogue more to better understand these issues,” remarked one participant, highlighting the importance of recognizing the LGBTQI community as integral to society.

As the workshop came to a close, Dr. Akagbor expressed a hopeful outlook for fostering dialogue and advocacy for inclusivity on university campuses.

He emphasized the need to create empowering environments where students feel safe to report concerns like sexual harassment.

The workshop concluded with a collective call for ongoing engagement among stakeholders, reinforcing the commitment to achieving inclusivity and diversity, and ensuring that universities in Ghana become safe and respectful spaces for all students.

Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor

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