Muntaka Raises Alarm Over Abuse of Remand and Bail Conditions

Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, the Minister for the Interior, has voiced serious concerns regarding the abuse of remand and harsh bail conditions within Ghana's justice system. During a parliamentary session discussing the Community Service Bill, 2026, he noted that many suspects are unnecessarily detained or face unattainable bail terms. Muntaka emphasized the need for restrictive remand procedures, stating that current practices allow for excessive remand with minimal justification. He revealed that his ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney-General to implement constitutional reforms aimed at reducing unnecessary detentions and alleviating prison overcrowding. Currently, Ghana's prisons are operating at 37% above capacity, housing over 13,000 inmates. The financial burden of maintaining these inmates is significant, with feeding costs alone reaching approximately GH¢10 million quarterly. Although the government has increased the daily feeding allocation for inmates from GH¢1.80 to GH¢5, Muntaka argues that this amount is still insufficient for proper nutrition. The proposed reforms, alongside the Community Service Bill and new parole regulations, are expected to help address these pressing issues in the justice system.