Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has called for stronger international cooperation to combat environmental crimes.
In the view of the AG, Ghana’s increasing focus on environmental protection, is to ensure that, emerging and evolving forms of crime are addressed.
These include crimes that affect the environment, smuggling of commercial goods and trafficking in cultural property and other crimes targeting cultural property.
The AG was addressing the 34th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), held in Vienna, Austria, from 19–23 May 2025.
In a pivotal address, on the theme, “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind”, Dr. Ayine reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the principle of “leaving no one behind.”
He detailed how Ghana is mainstreaming the SDGs into national policy, prioritizing energy and education, and focusing on marginalized groups, including youth, persons with disabilities, and those in the northern regions.
Dr. Ayine highlighted flagship initiatives such as the “Adwumawura,” a national apprenticeship program, and the “One Million Coders” project, both designed to equip youth with digital skills and foster entrepreneurship.
These efforts, he emphasized, not only promote economic inclusion but also serve as preventive strategies against youth involvement in crime.
Touching on women, he projected the creation of the Women’s Development Bank and dedicated funding in the 2025 budget aimed to empower female entrepreneurs.
Kyoto declaration
In a statement delivered on behalf of the Vienna-based African Group, Ghana’s Ambassador, H.E. Matilda Alomatu Osei-Agyeman reaffirmed the continent’s commitment to the full implementation of the Kyoto Declaration and preparations for the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
She stressed the need to address both the effects and root causes of transnational organized crime, linking crime prevention to sustainable development in line with Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Fights against corruption
In the margins of the CCPCJ, Dr. Dominic Ayine held a meeting with the UNODC Executive Director, Ms. Ghada Waly.
The pair focused on enhancing collaboration to combat corruption and enhance criminal justice systems, discussing strategies such as leveraging technology, improving cross-border cooperation, and building capacity through partnerships, in line with UNODC’s priorities to address corruption, organized crime, and promote accountability and robust legal frameworks, particularly within African contexts.
Other bilateral meetings were those with officials of strategic countries /groups , such as Japan, the UK, the European Union, South Africa and the USA to enhance collaboration in the areas of crime prevention and criminal justice.
Ghana co-organised a strategic side event with the UNODC on enhancing good governance and the use of evidence in policy-making, presenting the evaluation of the Ghana National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP).
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and the Ambassador, H.E. Matilda Alomatu Osei-Agyeman shed light on Ghana’s experience in the fight against corruption.
Other side events that Ghana’s delegation actively participated in focused on the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, torture investigations and oversight, the Bangkok and Nelson Mandela Rules, and operational networks against links.
Ghana’s active participation, led by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, and the collective efforts of the African Group, underscored the importance of inclusive, evidence-based, and technology-driven approaches to crime prevention.
As preparations begin for the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the outcomes of this session set the stage for deeper cooperation and stronger institutions worldwide.
Ghana remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law, working hand-in-hand with the United Nations and the international community to build a safer, more just world for all.
The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, established by the United Nations Economic and Social Council, serves as the UN’s principal policymaking body on crime prevention and criminal justice. Its annual sessions foster dialogue, policy formulation, and the exchange of best practices among member states.
Delegation
Other members of Ghana’s delegation were H.E. Matilda Alomatu Osei-Agyeman, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Austria and the United Nations, alongside officials from the Office of the Attorney-General, Ministry of Justice, and the Embassy of Ghana in Vienna.
Source: Ghana/Starrrm.com.gh/Murtala Inusah
