- Criminal justice system is grappling with the issue of prolonged pre-trial detention
- The judiciary's Justice for All program represents a step towards addressing the backlog of cases
- The persistent challenges underscore the need for more substantial reforms
Twelve individuals accused of various crimes, including murder, have been discharged from custody after prolonged delays in their trials, while another ten have been granted bail.
Despite constitutional provisions protecting personal liberty, some spent close to a decade behind bars with minimal court appearances.
Ghana’s criminal justice system, rooted in respect for human rights under Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution, prohibits prolonged detention without trial. The judiciary’s Justice for All programme aims to address such cases, holding hearings within prisons to expedite justice for inmates awaiting trial.
At Nsawam Medium Prison, hearings resulted in 12 discharges and 10 bail grants, highlighting cases like Kwabena Nyarko’s, who spent years on remand despite bail being granted due to prosecutorial inaction. Justice Kofi Akuffo emphasized the need for timely justice, echoing concerns over cases like Samuel Owusu Addo’s, who spent nearly 11 years without a trial date.
While progress has been made, challenges persist, prompting calls for legislative reforms such as the Community Sentencing Bill to enhance justice accessibility.
