Summary

The Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination visited Ghana from 8 to 15 December 2017, at the invitation of the Government. Pursuant to its mandate, the Working Group focused on the impact of mercenary and mercenary-related activities on the human rights in the country and on the regulation of private military and security companies. The members of the Working Group met with the Ghanaian authorities and with representatives of civil society organizations and of the private security industry in Ghana. The Working Group found that mercenarism and foreign fighters were not a critical issue at the time of the visit. It observed, however, that if certain destabilizing factors are not addressed effectively, they could potentially threaten the stability of the country. The Working Group expresses its concern at the huge number of private security companies operating in the country, the spread of vigilante groups and armed individuals, and the activities of illegal mining (galamsey), which also involve foreigners. It also addresses the current challenges to stability in Ghana, such as cross-border activities and the proliferation of illegal arms. It highlights some good practices that lay behind the peace and stability in Ghana, such as its robust civil society and free media, the independence of the judiciary, and practices relating to the private security industry.