The Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has stated the importance of Ghana’s Community Service Bill, describing it as a bold step toward reforming the country’s criminal justice system.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting in Accra with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Interior.
He noted that “The bill, which is structured around seven thematic areas and 66 sections, proposes community service as an alternative to imprisonment for minor offences. It comes at a time when Ghana’s prisons are operating at 35 per cent above capacity.”
According to the Minister, offenders would be required to work between four and eight hours daily for a period of up to six months. The bill applies to offences punishable by imprisonment of three years or less.
“The Community Service Bill offers a practical, humane, and cost-effective alternative to imprisonment, promoting rehabilitation and reducing prison overcrowding,” Mr Muntaka said.
The Chairman of the Committee, Mr James Agalga, commended the Minister for championing the initiative, noting that the bill has been in development for years and, once passed, will help ease the burden on the prison system.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
