Accra: The Government has laid a Community Service Bill before Parliament, which was read for the first time on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The bill seeks to ensure that persons convicted of minor offences served their sentences through community service.
According to Ghana News Agency, the bill aims to decongest the country's prisons while promoting rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society. Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Minister of the Interior, presented the explanatory memorandum, emphasizing that the proposed legislation would provide alternative sentencing options for judges. This would allow offenders to contribute positively to their communities rather than face custodial sentences for menial offences.
The bill has been referred to the Constitution and Legal Committee of Parliament for further consideration and report.