From July 22-24, 2024, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) facilitated a study visit of Ghanaian parliamentarians to key international institutions in The Hague, Netherlands. The visit aimed to provide the MPs with comprehensive information and address questions concerning the draft bill to implement the provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the national level.

The three-day visit began with an intensive technical workshop organized by the PGA Secretariat, fostering an in-depth understanding among the MPs of the legislative requirements and strategic considerations for the national implementation of the Rome Statute. This workshop was a crucial foundation for the subsequent engagements, ensuring the Ghanaian delegation was well-prepared to discuss intricate legal and procedural aspects at the International Criminal Court.

On the second day, the MPs engaged with high-level officials from the ICC Office of the Presidency, including the Second Vice President, Jude Reine Alapini-Gansou, as well as from the International Cooperation Advisor at the Office of the Prosecutor, Mr. Dahirou Sant-Anna. These interactions provided the MPs with valuable insights into the ICC's overall operations, challenges, and the pivotal role of national legislation in supporting the Court’s mandate to combat impunity for the most severe crimes of international concern.

The visit also included high-level meetings with PGA Member Sen. Fatimazhra Belhirch from the Dutch Senate and the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the ICC and OPCW, Ambassador Henk Cor van der Kwast, at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These sessions were instrumental in sharing best practices and legislative experiences from the Netherlands, a longstanding supporter of the ICC, further aiding the Ghanaian MPs in refining their approach to the draft bill.

Additionally, the delegation met with representatives from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and was welcomed by the Deputy Director General, H.E. Ambassador Odette Melono. The presentations made by Mr. Christian Nissen, Senior Political Officer, Political Affairs and Protocol Branch, and Ms. Suzanna Khoshabi, Programme Officer (Legal), Implementation Support Branch, highlighted the importance of chemical weapons disarmament and non-proliferation while reinforcing the need for Ghana to fully implement the Chemical Weapons Convention at the national level in the broader context of international justice and security within which the Rome Statute operates.

PGA’s International Law and Human Rights Program Director, Ms. Frederika Schweighoferova, emphasized the importance of such visits:

• Ms. Frederika Schweighoferova, Director
  International Law and Human Rights Program

Engagements like these are crucial in bridging the gap between international norms and national legislation. By equipping parliamentarians with the necessary tools and knowledge, we are fostering a global network of legislative champions committed to upholding international justice and the rule of law.

Acknowledging the value of participating in such a comprehensive and informative visit, the Delegation underscored their commitment to advancing the implementation of the Rome Statute in Ghana. In particular, they aim to ensure that the draft legislation currently at the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs closely follows international legal standards so thattheir nation remains at the forefront of theglobal and national fight against impunity.

This visit marks a significant step forward in PGA’s ongoing efforts to promote the rule of law and support the ICC’s mission through strengthening national legislative frameworks. The insights gained and the networks established during this visit will enhance Ghana’s legislative process and contribute to the broader goal of international justice.

The bipartisan delegation was composed of the following members:

• Hon. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs and PGA Member;
• Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo, Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs;
• Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs and PGA Member;
• Hon. Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs and PGA Member;
• Hon. James Agalga, Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs;
• Hon. Bismark Tetteh Nyarko, Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs;
• Ms. Saraphina Mapeira Pwamang, Assistant Clerk to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs.

Ghana and the Rome Statute

Ghana signed the Rome Statute on 18 July 1998 and ratified on 20 December 1999, becoming the 6th State Party.

Cooperation

The Rome Statute provides for an obligation to cooperate fully with the ICC (Art. 86), as well as to adopt internal procedures for cooperation (Art. 88). Part 9 of the Rome Statute establishes the obligations for States Parties towards the Court.

Implementation

Implementation is the adoption of domestic legislation by a State to comply with the overall objective of putting “an end to impunity (…) for the most serious crimes of concern to the International Community as a whole” (cf. Preamble of the Rome Statute).

To find out how MPs can contribute to the universality and effectiveness of the Rome Statute system, check PGA’s Parliamentary Kit on the ICC.