The Justice For All Program, under the leadership of Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah, continues to make significant strides in ensuring the fair and timely administration of justice in Ghana. A recent in-prison sitting at the Kumasi Central Prisons uncovered a troubling case where an inmate had been held for five months despite being discharged by a circuit court in Nkawie. This revelation has prompted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unjust incarceration.
The unwavering commitment of Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah and her colleagues to uphold justice was evident as they refused to leave the premises of the Kumasi Central Prisons until the wrongfully held inmate was released. Their dedication to righting this wrong serves as a testament to the core principles of the Justice For All Program.
The Acting officer in Charge of the Ashanti Region Prison Command, CSP Alex Adjei, expressed surprise at the case and clarified that the inmate was brought back with a valid warrant from the courts. However, Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah rightly directed a further probe to unravel how a court could sign an incarceration warrant for an individual who had been discharged. Her unwavering pursuit of justice in this matter is commendable and reflects the program's commitment to accountability.
During the in-prison sitting, two mobile courts presided over by supervising high court judges adjudicated 31 cases at the Kumasi Central Prisons. The outcomes included the refusal of bail for some remand inmates, successful release on bail with sureties for others, as well as the discharge and striking out of cases for insufficient grounds. These results underscore the program's impact in addressing the population of remand prisoners and striving for fair outcomes.
Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah highlighted the success of the Justice For All Program in reducing the population of remand prisoners and emphasized the importance of Plea Bargaining to expedite trials. Additionally, she called for a focus on implementing non-custodial sentencing to alleviate prison overcrowding, demonstrating a forward-looking approach to justice reform.
The collaboration between the Prisons Service and the facilitators of the Justice For All Program, particularly the Perfector Of Sentiments (POS) Foundation, has been instrumental in advocating for necessary legal amendments and garnering government support. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing systemic challenges within the justice system and working towards sustainable solutions.
The impact of these efforts is evident in the reduction of prison overcrowding from 51% in December 2018 to 42.69% in May 2024. This positive trend signifies tangible progress in addressing the complex issue of pretrial prisoner populations and overcrowding within Ghana's prisons.
As we reflect on the outcomes of the recent in-prison sitting and the ongoing efforts of the Justice For All Program, it is clear that sustained dedication to justice reform is essential. The program's achievements not only serve as a beacon of hope for Ghana but also have the potential to inspire similar initiatives across Africa.
In conclusion, the unwavering commitment of Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah and her colleagues, coupled with collaborative efforts and tangible results, reaffirms the critical role of the Justice For All Program in shaping a more equitable and efficient justice system. As we look towards the future, it is imperative to continue supporting initiatives that aim to uphold justice for all.
-source Starrfm | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
