CEPIL unveils whistleblower portal to tackle human rights abuses in cocoa, mining areas
The Centre for Public Interest Law (CEPIL) has launched an innovative whistleblower portal to assist in reporting human rights violations and broaden access to justice for victims in cocoa and mining areas.
The digital platform aims to offer a secure and confidential channel through which individuals and communities, particularly underserved populations, can report human rights violations and seek redress.
Launched at Goaso in the Ahafo Region last Tuesday, its main objective is to promote the rule of law, accountability and human rights protection.
It was launched in collaboration with Oxfam Ghana on the theme: “Strengthening Access to Justice Through Digital Accountability Mechanisms.”
It brought together civil society organisations (CSOs), associations, Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) and some government institutions.
Marginalise group
At the launch, the Executive Director of CEPIL, Augustine Niber, stated that the initiative aims to empower marginalised groups, including PWDs, to report violations without fear, stigma or barriers of distance.
He said CEPIL had observed that barriers such as distance, stigma, fear of retaliation and limited access to legal services often hindered vulnerable and marginalised individuals from seeking redress.
Mr Niber said most of the cases were under-reported due to barriers, adding that CEPIL launched the tool to address systemic constraints.
’We have been advocating over 25 years and during this time, we have realised violations of the rights of vulnerable and marginalised individuals in the country.
‘’Most of the victims have no voice or are unaware of the platforms to report their violation issues," he said.
Limited avenues
Mr Niber added that there were limited avenues for accessing justice and how the public could report violations in their communities.
He said the digital tool would promote public awareness of whistleblower protection laws, enhance civic engagement, and support inclusive legal redress mechanisms within the country's justice system.
Mr Niber expressed hope that the launch would spark a national debate on the role of digital platforms in promoting rights protection and democratic governance.
Access
For her part, the Programme Officer of the CEPIL, Naa Deedei Ayerson, said one needed to go to Google https://whistleblower.cepil.org.gh to access the portal and report.
She said the portal was accessible, secure and had a user-friendly interface embedded within the CEPIL website for reporting abuses related to land rights, environmental harm, corruption, discrimination and other forms of injustice.
Mrs Ayerson said the portal was piloted in Takoradi in August 2024 and triaged multiple reports, which demonstrated its strong potential for impact.
She stated that the platform was not designed to name and shame institutions or individuals.
Some of the participants told the Daily Graphic that the portal would help overcome physical and social barriers to reporting and facilitate early legal intervention.
They said it would enable them to contribute to human rights monitoring and act as a bridge between those affected and support systems.
Writer's email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh
