As this report by GhanaCelebrities.Com amply shows, overcrowded jails is a huge problem in Ghana’s justice system. Over the years some measures have been aimed at curbing it, but none has proven effective so far.
So there’s no doubt we could very much use such an initiative like this one.
The government of Angola has freed thousands of inmates nationwide to ease the extreme congestion that is throttling the country’s prisons.
A new law passed by Angola’s legislature and approved by the President grants amnesty to a select group of prisoners across the Southern African country.
The deal affects those who have committed offences for which the punishment exceeds no more than twelve years, and who have served at least half the time.
“The amnesty for all offences punishable by imprisonment of up to 12 years…results from the feeling of providing social opportunities, policies and other rehabilitation of staff and family,” said Virgilio de Fontes Pereira, president of Parliamentary Group of the ruling party, MPLA, according to Reuters.
Much like Ghana, Angola is battling crowded jails accross the country, leading to the authorities seeking means to reduce the prison population.
When you look at the conditions across many jails across the country, where inmates are forced to live in inhumane condition, such a blanket amnesty would not be bad for Ghana.
More than those serving jail terms, there are more held in remand indefinitely for the most harmless of crimes, who should also benefit from such a move.
What are we waiting for then?