The Ghana Prisons Service in the Ashanti Region has taken a significant step towards addressing the issue of prison congestion with the establishment of an In-Prison Paralegal Office at the Kumasi Central Prisons. This initiative is aimed at providing legal support to criminal convicts who may not have the financial means to secure the services of a lawyer for appealing unsatisfactory sentences.
The In-Prison Paralegal Office builds upon the success of the Justice For All Program, which has played a crucial role in reducing Ghana’s remand prisoner population ratio from 33% to 8.8% since its inception in 2007. By offering legal guidance and assistance to convicts, the new office seeks to ensure that individuals are able to file legally competent appeals processes and effectively represent themselves during appeals proceedings.
The training of Paralegals, conducted by the Civil Society Organization, Perfector of Sentiments (POS) Foundation and other collaborators from Ghana’s Criminal Justice Administration, is a key component of this initiative. The program has equipped prison officers, external bodies, and selected prison inmates with the necessary skills to assist convicts in drafting legal processes for appealing their sentences.
During a workshop held to mark the commissioning of the In-Prison Paralegal Office, Executive Director of the POS Foundation, Johnathan Osei Owusu, emphasized the growing challenge faced by many inmates who cannot afford legal services. He highlighted the importance of providing support to individuals who may struggle to navigate the legal system on their own, especially when facing complex legal procedures such as appeals in higher courts.
The establishment of the In-Prison Paralegal Office comes at a critical time for the Kumasi Central Prisons, which currently holds 1800 prison inmates, three times its intended capacity of 600 inmates. This overcrowding is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention, and the new initiative is expected to have a positive impact on reducing congestion within the facility.
The positive reception of this initiative was evident as Ashanti Regional Commander of Prisons, DDP Eric Ainoo Ansah, expressed optimism about its potential to alleviate overcrowding in prison facilities across the region. He emphasized the importance of any effort aimed at legally reducing the number of inmates in custody, particularly in facilities that admit prisoners directly from the courts.
The significance of legal representation for individuals charged with criminal offenses was underscored by Appeals Court Judge, Justice Sir Dominic Adjei, who chaired the event. He emphasized that under international human rights standards, every person charged with a criminal offense should have access to legal representation. The In-Prison Paralegal Program was hailed as a crucial step towards bridging the gap in legal support for individuals who may not have access to adequate representation.
This commendable initiative, spearheaded by the POS Foundation and the Ghana Prisons Service, has received support from the Attorney Generals Department with funding from GIZ's promotion of the rule of law and justice program. The collaboration between these organizations underscores the collective effort to address the challenges faced by individuals within the criminal justice system.
The opening and certification ceremony for the paralegals were attended by funding partners, representatives from the Ghana Prisons Service, members of the Judiciary, and officers from the Attorney Generals Department. The presence of these stakeholders reflects the collaborative approach taken towards ensuring access to justice for all individuals within Ghana's criminal justice system.
In conclusion, the establishment of the In-Prison Paralegal Office at the Kumasi Central Prisons marks a significant milestone in efforts to provide legal support to individuals within the criminal justice system. This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for legal representation but also serves as a testament to the commitment towards upholding justice and human rights for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
-source Starrfm | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
