‘Justice for All’ system must be reintroduced to decongest Ghana’s prisons- Baffoe-Bonnie
11th November 2025
Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has proposed the introduction of community service sentences, a parole system, and the revival of the “Justice for All” programme as part of efforts to decongest Ghana’s overcrowded prisons.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, 2025, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie expressed grave concern over worsening conditions in the country’s correctional facilities, describing the situation as “deeply troubling.”
He revealed that several major prisons, including Nsawam and Kumasi, are operating far beyond capacity.
“I’m told that the inmate situation at Nsawam Prison was built for a capacity of 851. As of today, the number is about 3,562, in variance of 2,711. Kumasi Prison was built for 416 persons. As of today, they are 1,727, and this is replicated all over. The prisons are choked, and this is a bother.”
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie identified indiscriminate remand practices and the inability of accused persons to meet bail conditions as key factors contributing to congestion.
“One of the causes is people being remanded indiscriminately. It is something that I want to reignite, revamp it. We can have ‘Justice for All’ back on the road. So that we can get rid of some of these cases. There are people in prison or remand because they are not able to pay the bail conditions.”
He urged Parliament to support legislative reforms that would enable alternative sentencing options such as community service and parole for inmates who demonstrate good behaviour.
“Community sentences should be introduced. It’s in your bosom, Hon. It’s a law that should be taken up by you. Another way of decongesting the prison is through the parole system for exhibiting good conduct. We can reduce the congestion consideration if we do. We are at it, we will play our part, and we will curb the penchant for giving long sentences.”
The “Justice for All” programme, introduced in 2007, aimed to expedite the hearing of remand cases and prevent prolonged detention. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said reviving the initiative would form part of broader judicial reforms to promote fair, humane, and efficient justice delivery.
His vetting follows the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, a development that has generated public debate and ongoing legal challenges.