News
‘Remand prisoners, cause of over population in prisons’
The International Prisons Chaplains Association (IPCA-Ghana), has held its seventh anniversary and general conference with a call on all to come on board to assist prison inmates.
The conference which took place in Kumasi, on Friday, November 24, was under the theme, “Telling our story: Bringing others on board.”
It drew participants from Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Guinea, while other members from Cameroon, La Cote d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, participated online.
A former Attorney General, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, who chaired the conference bemoaned the fact that many prisons in developing countries were faced with over population, a problem that is compounded by remand prisoners.
He encouraged the chaplains to make useful case studies on how they could implement effective programmes in other correctional facilities.
He said this approach would allow them to learn from one another, identify areas for improvement, and adopt strategies to better serve the diverse spiritual needs of the inmates.
He expressed the view that the conference would inspire and unite the chaplains towards providing the spiritual and other support to the inmates, so that lessons learnt through critical analysis and meaningful discussions would lead them to shape the future of chaplaincy within the Prisons system in their respective countries.
The President of IPCA, Rev Steve Mensah acknowledged the immense contributions the chaplains had made to uplift prison inmates spiritually, physically and the provision of medical and educational needs of prisoners.
He indicated that IPCA Ghana has planned to establish a Post-Conviction Youth Centre, particularly for young ex-convicts where they would stay at least for a year, strengthen their skills to enable them to earn some income before they leave to settle in society.
The International Vice President of IPCA, Rev Jean Didier Mboyo, also the Head of IPCA, UN Team, called on society to change its posture of ignoring and abandoning Prison inmates, since circumstances could send anyone to prison.
Nana Dr Appiagyei Dankawoso l, Omanhene Kyeame of the Asante Juaben Traditional Area, who was the Guest Speaker, said the conditions in the country’s prisons called for urgent support from all and sundry.
He commended IPCA for the Anti-Crime talks organised in Senior High Schools to educate students on issues which could send them to jail.
IPCA members present included, Deaconess Dr Mrs Angela Mensah, Rev Dr Evans Ekanem, Rev Atta Bilson, Mrs Gifty Mussey Azeko, Rev Nicholas Awuah- Sarpong, Rev Philip Ahodokpo and Pastor Adjei Sowah.
By Raymond Kyekye
News
71 Inmates graduate from Tertiary Education Programme
In a ceremony held at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, 71 inmates graduated from a tertiary education programme, with three inmates earning first-class honors.
The programme, a collaborative effort between the Ghana Prisons Service, the University of Cape Coast, and Plan Volta Ghana, aims to provide inmates with academic qualifications and skills to contribute positively to society upon release.
Deputy Minister of the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi congratulated the graduates on their achievement, emphasizing the significance of education in transforming lives.
Hon. Terlabi noted that the programme’s success reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting rehabilitation initiatives that go beyond incarceration.
The Director-General of Prisons, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie Esq. encouraged inmates to take advantage of various training programs, including vocational skills, to enhance their rehabilitation.
She also announced plans to develop strategies for reintegrating inmates into society after serving their sentences.
This initiative demonstrates efforts to prioritise rehabilitation and reintegration, recognising that education and skill development are crucial in reducing recidivism and promoting positive change.
The graduates’ achievement serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring others to pursue education and personal growth.
News
The Supreme Court Should Respect the Clear Text of Ghana’s Constitution – Kwame Owusu Danso, Esq. writes
Ghana’s 1992 Constitution provides explicit guidelines for removing public officials, such as Superior Court Justices and the Chief Justice, with no room for judicial overreach.
For Justices other than the Chief Justice, Article 146(3)-(5) mandates that a petition be sent to the President, who refers it to the Chief Justice to assess if a prima facie case exists. If confirmed, a committee investigates and advises the President. The process is straightforward and precise.
In contrast, Article 146(6)-(7) governs the removal of the Chief Justice. Here, the President, consulting the Council of State, forms a committee to investigate a petition and recommend action without any mention of a prima facie case requirement. This distinction is deliberate and clear in the Constitution’s text.
However, the Supreme Court’s ruling in Agyei Twum v. Attorney General & Akwetey imposed a prima facie case condition for removing a Chief Justice, a step not supported by the Constitution.
This judicial addition distorted the framers’ intent, as the original text remains unamended. When the Constitution’s language is unambiguous, courts should not insert new terms under the guise of interpretation; such as the so-called “purposive approach” unless the provision is unclear, which it is not here.
The framers’ choice to omit a prima facie requirement for the Chief Justice was intentional, not an oversight.
Looking ahead, I urge the Supreme Court, amid current cases and political pressures, to avoid compounding this error. Adding further conditions – like requiring the Chief Justice to respond to a petition before any action – would be another unwarranted rewrite of the Constitution.
The text does not demand a prima facie case, let alone additional steps. Judicial restraint is essential to preserve clarity and fidelity to the law as written.
Thank you for your attention.
Kwame Owusu Danso, Esq.
Africa Law Focus.
