Haruna Iddrisu criticises punitive bail practices, calls for justice reforms
Education Minister and Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu has raised concerns over what he describes as the increasing misuse of bail conditions by state institutions, warning that some accused persons are being unfairly punished before trial.
Speaking during the funeral rites of Dr Mahama Sayibu on Thursday, Mr Iddrisu said excessive conditions and unnecessary denials are undermining the purpose of bail under Ghana’s legal system.
According to him, some actions by the Ghana Police Service, the courts and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) are creating a system where bail effectively becomes a form of punishment rather than a constitutional right.
“In Ghana today, we have seen excesses from the Police, the Court and EOCO denying persons bail and using bail as punishment for accused persons. That is not law,” he stated.
The senior National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmaker stressed that Ghana’s justice system is built on the principle that every accused person remains innocent until proven guilty through a fair trial.
He argued that imposing extremely difficult bail terms defeats the spirit of the law and risks undermining public confidence in the administration of justice.
Mr Iddrisu also pointed to provisions within Ghana’s legal framework that require bail conditions to be reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances of each case.
He urged institutions responsible for investigations and prosecutions to exercise fairness and restraint, especially in cases where accused persons qualify for bail under the law.
“Don’t deny an accused person bail or ask an accused person to pay excessively as punishment,” he said.
The former Minority Leader further called for broader reforms to address what he described as high-handed practices within parts of the justice system.
His remarks add to ongoing national conversations surrounding bail and remand conditions in Ghana, with legal experts and civil society groups increasingly expressing concern about accused persons remaining in custody because they are unable to satisfy demanding bail requirements.
The comments also come after similar concerns raised by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who recently advocated reforms to make the country’s bail and remand processes fairer and more humane.
About The Author
