The Chronicle welcomes the call by Chief Justice Nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, for the reintroduction of community service sentences, a parole system and the revival of the “Justice for All” programme as part of broader judicial reforms aimed at decongesting Ghana’s prisons.
His proposal is not only timely, but also reflects a deep understanding of one of the most pressing challenges within Ghana’s criminal justice system.
The “Justice for All” initiative, first launched in 2007, was designed to ensure that the rights of remand prisoners were protected and that justice was not delayed indefinitely.
By expediting the hearing of remand cases, the programme sought to address prolonged and often unjustified detentions that have long plagued the system.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s pledge to “reignite and revamp” the programme, therefore, signals a commitment to a fairer and more humane justice delivery process.
The Chronicle shares the concerns expressed by Justice Baffoe-Bonnie and indeed by many Ghanaians about the worsening conditions in the country’s correctional facilities. Reports from the Ghana Prisons Service paint a disturbing picture. Nsawam Prison, built to accommodate 851 inmates, now holds approximately 3,562 people.
Similarly, the Kumasi Central Prison, designed for 416 inmates, currently houses about 1,727. Other regional prisons face similar overcrowding, resulting in dire living conditions that undermine the very purpose of rehabilitation.
We agree with Justice Baffoe-Bonnie that the indiscriminate remand of suspects has been a major contributor to this crisis. Many individuals spend years in custody, awaiting trial for minor offenses, while the slow pace of adjudication and inadequate legal representation further compound the problem. This situation calls for urgent reforms in sentencing and bail practices to ensure that justice serves not only the state but also the individual’s fundamental rights.
The Chronicle strongly supports the introduction of community service sentences and a well-structured parole system as part of these reforms. Community service offers a practical alternative for minor offenders, allowing them to give back to society while avoiding the dehumanising experience of imprisonment. Likewise, a parole system that rewards good behavior can motivate inmates toward genuine reform and ease the burden on the country’s overcrowded prisons.
Beyond these measures, we urge our judges to reconsider the current trend of imposing lengthy prison terms, particularly for non-violent offenses. Sentences should serve as opportunities for correction and reintegration, not as instruments of perpetual punishment. Rehabilitation should be the ultimate goal of any justice system that seeks to uphold human dignity and societal harmony.
The Chronicle believes that the time has come for Ghana to adopt a modern, compassionate approach to justice one that recognizes that imprisonment alone does not guarantee reform. Many former convicts, when given the opportunity, have successfully reintegrated into society and become productive citizens. We must, therefore, create more room for restorative justice, where offenders can make amends and rebuild their lives.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s proposals present an opportunity for meaningful change. By combining judicial reform with a renewed sense of humanity, Ghana can transform its justice system into one that truly serves its people. The revival of the “Justice for All” programme, together with the introduction of alternative sentencing and parole systems, represents a bold and necessary step toward that vision.
The Chronicle fully endorses these initiatives and calls on all stakeholders the Judiciary, Parliament, the Ghana Prisons Service and civil society to lend their full support. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be fair, swift and compassionate.
