The Justice for All Programme has concluded its final session for 2025 at the Kumasi Central Prison, resolving 41 pre-trial cases and granting relief to several inmates.
The special court sitting, held within the prison facility, resulted in 15 bail applications being granted, four detainees discharged, and three cases dismissed or struck out. The session was presided over by Justice Afia Serwaah Asare-Botwe.
In a statement, the Ghana Prisons Service said one inmate was referred for psychiatric treatment, reflecting the programme’s integrated approach to justice delivery and rehabilitation.
Launched in 2007, the Justice for All Programme conducts periodic court sittings in prisons across the country to fast-track trials and reduce case backlogs, while helping to decongest correctional facilities.
Speaking to the media after the proceedings, Justice Asare-Botwe stressed that the initiative goes beyond statistics. “Today’s exercise is not just about numbers; it is about restoring dignity, ensuring fairness, and giving people a chance to be heard,” she said. She reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to working with stakeholders to improve access to justice for all Ghanaians.
The Second in Command of the Kumasi Central Prison, Assistant Director of Prisons (ADP) Courage Atsem, expressed appreciation to the Judiciary and the Chief Justice for their continued support in easing congestion at the facility.
Civil society organisations, including the Perfector of Sentiments Foundation, also participated in the session by providing legal aid services, underscoring the collaborative effort to strengthen access to justice in Ghana.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
