The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has expressed concern over the increasing use of remand by the police and courts, saying the practice is worsening congestion in Ghana’s prisons and police cells.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the minister said many suspects are being kept in custody unnecessarily, even for minor offences.
According to him, the growing number of remand prisoners is placing heavy pressure on the country’s correctional facilities.
The minister criticised what he described as the routine use of remand instead of other legal measures. He also questioned some of the bail conditions imposed by the courts, noting that many ordinary Ghanaians cannot afford to meet them.
He explained that strict bail terms often force accused persons to remain in custody even when they could otherwise be released while awaiting trial.
The minister stressed that remand should only be used in exceptional cases and not as a normal practice.
According to him, the government is already working on reforms through the ongoing constitutional review process to address the issue.
He disclosed that he has been engaging the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, on possible legal amendments aimed at tightening the conditions under which suspects can be remanded.
Muntaka said the planned reforms are expected to reduce the number of people unnecessarily kept in custody and help ease congestion in prisons across the country.
The Interior Minister also spoke about the financial burden caused by the increasing inmate population. He revealed that the state currently spends nearly GH₵40 million every year on feeding prisoners nationwide.
However, he described the amount as inadequate due to the rising number of inmates in the country’s prisons.
He further expressed confidence that the proposed Community Service Bill, together with the constitutional reforms, would provide alternative punishments for minor offences and reduce pressure on correctional facilities.
The minister said the government remains committed to improving the justice system and ensuring fair treatment for all accused persons.
