A total of fifteen remand prisoners have been released, while thirty-four others have been granted bail following a judicial review exercise conducted at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, Kumasi Central Prison, and Obuasi Local Prison.
The exercise formed part of ongoing efforts to decongest Ghana’s prisons and ensure that inmates are not held unlawfully or beyond reasonable time limits, particularly those awaiting trial.
The releases and bail grants followed sittings by judicial officers who reviewed the cases of inmates on remand, some of whom had spent extended periods in custody without trial. In several instances, the courts found that the continued detention of the inmates was no longer justified, leading to their discharge or the granting of bail under specified conditions.
Officials involved in the exercise explained that the initiative is aimed at promoting access to justice, protecting the rights of accused persons, and reducing pressure on correctional facilities, which often operate beyond their intended capacity.
Beneficiaries of the exercise expressed relief and gratitude after regaining their freedom, with some reuniting with family members who had waited months or years for their cases to be resolved.
The Ghana Prisons Service has welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step towards improving inmate welfare and strengthening collaboration between the judiciary and correctional institutions.
Authorities have indicated that similar review exercises will continue across the country as part of broader justice sector reforms to ensure fairness, efficiency, and respect for human rights within the criminal justice system.
