The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Tema Metro Office, has educated the public on the importance of protecting personal liberty and human dignity, particularly in the handling of persons who come into contact with the law.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s family, relationship and lifestyle programme, Nyansapo Fie, hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, Principal Civic Education Officer at the NCCE Tema Metro Office, Madam Emma Owusu, explained that personal liberty refers to an individual’s freedom from unlawful restriction or detention.
She, however, noted that the law provides specific circumstances under which a person’s liberty may be restricted, citing contempt of court as one such circumstance.
Madam Emma Owusu further explained that when a person is arrested, they must be informed promptly of the reason for the arrest in a language they understand, as well as their right to a lawyer of their choice.
She added that where a person is arrested for a suspected criminal offence and is not released, the individual must be brought before a court within 48 hours of the arrest.
According to her, subjecting individuals to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment constitutes a violation of their dignity and fundamental rights.
Touching on juvenile justice, Madam Emma Owusu explained that a juvenile is a person below 18 years of age.
She noted that juveniles who are detained should not be held together with adult prisoners but must be kept separately in facilities designated for juveniles.
Madam Emma Owusu therefore urged the public to respect the rights and dignity of every individual and become familiar with the legal protections available to persons who come into contact with the justice system.
By: Lydia Owusu
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