Children's Access to Justice for Environmental Rights | Ghana

This report looks at whether the laws and policies in Ghana make it possible for children to access their environmental rights.

The Constitution does not explicitly recognise a justiciable right to a healthy environment, but includes environment protection as a directive principle of state policy. These provisions may support environmental claims when read alongside rights such as life and dignity. In Center for Public Interest Law & Center for Environmental Law v Environmental Protection Agency, Minerals Commission & Bonte Gold Mines, the High Court recognised a constitutional right to a safe environment, referring to the State’s duty to protect the environment for future generations.

Ghana has several laws regulating environmental protection. However, it has neither a specific national policy addressing children’s exposure to toxic substances nor a pollutant release and transfer register.

Environmental cases can be brought through constitutional claims, judicial review and statutory appeals, although enforcement relies largely on regulatory authorities, such as the Environmental Protection Authority. Children must usually act through a “next friend” to bring proceedings. NGOs have also brought constitutional claims on behalf of children, as in Child Rights International v. Attorney-General. It is unclear whether publicly funded legal aid covers environmental cases. Litigation costs, difficulties accessing courts and limited legal awareness create further barriers for children to access environmental justice.

Children’s rights to assembly, expression, association and information are constitutionally protected. The Children’s Act also recognises their right to be heard in decisions affecting their well-being. However, demonstrations require notification in advance to the police and failure to do so can result in criminal penalties. Environmental education is included in school curricula, but teachers often lack sufficient training and materials.

This report was published in October 2026 and developed with the support of Dr. Kwabena Kyere, Research Scientist at the Centre for Sustainability and Environmental Action (CSEA) Ghana, as well as finalised based on any feedback from the State. To learn more read the full report below, and please get in touch if this information was useful and you want to talk more.