Recent data shared by Justice Asare-Botwe distinguished Court of Appeal judge, revealed a significant decline in prison overcrowding, plummeting from 51% in December 2018 to 42.69% by May 2024.

Notably, the proportion of inmates in pretrial detention has decreased from 33% in 2007 to 10.86% in 2024, underscoring the positive impact of initiatives such as Justice for All Programme (JFAP).

Although this a good news, Justice Asare-Botwe raised serious concerns regarding the prolonged delays within Ghana’s judicial system, attributing part of the issue to the country’s vague definition of reasonable time in law.

Addressing journalists at the JFAP, organized by the Judicial Service and POS Foundation, Justice Asare-Botwe highlighted how these delays contribute significantly to prison overcrowding, particularly affecting pretrial detainees.

The overcrowding crisis has stretched Ghana’s prison infrastructure, increasing the inmate population from 10,265 to 14,647. Among these, 13,057 are convicts, while 1,590 are awaiting trial.

Justice Asare-Botwe stressed the importance of expediting trials to reduce the time individuals spend in pretrial detention.

This issue is critical as many detainees struggle to meet bail conditions and endure extended periods in custody awaiting adjudication.

In addition to reducing the remand population through bail grants, stakeholders in the criminal justice system were advised to prioritize swift trials to minimize the duration between arrest and final judgment.

she emphasized that expedient trials are essential for ensuring timely justice delivery.

During the recent JFAP session, 24 remand prisoners applied for relief, resulting in 12 discharges, 10 granted bail, and 2 denied bail. Cases ranged from serious offenses like murder to lesser charges involving unlawful acts and traffic violations.Justice Asare-Botwe reiterated the urgent need for prompt trials to guarantee fair and efficient justice delivery.

Delayed trials, she warned, risk compromising evidence and memories critical to fair adjudication, as observed during the JFAP court proceedings.

Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe’s advocacy, alongside other judicial leaders, reflects a proactive stance towards addressing root causes of prison overcrowding and justice delays, aiming to establish a more equitable and efficient legal framework in Ghana.

To address systemic challenges, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has launched the Judiciary Criminal Justice Committee.

This committee is tasked with identifying and proposing solutions to the issues plaguing Ghana’s criminal justice system, including delays exacerbated by inadequate legal representation and procedural inefficiencies.

Notably, cases like that of a 75-year-old man from Kwasikrom, Asamankese, who has languished in remand since 2018 awaiting the Attorney-General’s advice, underscore the urgency for reforms to ensure timely access to justice for all involved.

The 75-year-old’s was among the 24 applications received by JFAP, of which 12 were discharged, 10 granted bail and two refused bail.