cultural norms, values and practices which are inimical to human rights and derogate from the dignity of the individual. 1. Lack of Awareness about Human Rights The continued existence of a patriarchal social order that is buttressed by widespread ignorance of rights and a relatively low literacy level is one hindrance to human rights enjoyment. Illiteracy is an enemy to human rights and freedoms; it is also a hindrance to the proper appreciation of the rights of others, and the performance of corresponding duties and obligations. 2. Patriarchal Dominance and Cultural Personality Ghanaians have a gentle national persona. The Ghanaian socio-cultural milieu also eschews assertiveness. There is, as well, a generalized veneration of authority, hoth traditional and modern. In addition, there is a decisively dissuasive rather than enabling environment for selfassertiveness. Politically, despite the elaborate civil liberty guarantees, as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, Ghanaians still find it difficult to demand accountability and transparency from government institutions and highranking public officials, who may be charged with promoting and protecting human rights and democratic values. Together, these circumstances foster widespread tolerance and endurance of rights violations by many victims, including some who are well-educated. This means that relatively few Ghanaians assert their rights, or consider it aripropriate for younger persons to make rights claims against older persons or those in authority over them. As a result of such deeply-ingrained cultural attitudes of subordination and subjection, women, children, students and subordinates in the workplace rarely complain openly about human rights violations to which they are subjected. People are encouraged to "give it all to God", rather than to pursue their rights and seek redress for rights violations perpetrated by husbands, parents, police officers or employers. This situation is aggravated by the reality of the victims' economic dependence on the abusers and their acute sense of helplessness.