Commonwealth adopts “historic” Charter

The Commonwealth announced December 19, 2012 the adoption of what it calls a historic Charter.

Heads of Government have already endorsed the Charter after broad consultations among member governments, civil society and the public.

According to the 54-member association, the Charter brings together the values and aspirations which unite the Commonwealth – democracy, human rights and the rule of law – in a single, accessible document.

It also acknowledges the role of civil society in supporting the goals and values of the Commonwealth, the group said in a press release.

“We are now better placed to respond to the needs of our citizens,” Commonwealth’s Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said.

The Charter was a key recommendation of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group (EPG) in their 2011 report ‘A Commonwealth of the People: Time for Urgent Reform’.

Ghana is a member of the Commonwealth

By Ekow Quandzie