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Parliament considers Community Service Bill to reduce prison congestion
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The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has begun deliberations on the proposed Community Service Bill 2026, aimed at addressing prison overcrowding and reducing the cost of maintaining inmates.
The Committee met with officials from the Ministry of the Interior, the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Centre, the Ghana Prisons Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the Gaming Commission on Tuesday.
The meeting also reviewed the 2024 Audit Committee’s annual report on the Ministry and its agencies.
During the meeting, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, said the bill is designed to decongest prisons across the country, reduce government spending on feeding and maintaining inmates, and lower reoffending rates.
He explained that the proposed law will apply to offences punishable by a prison term of not more than three years, with or without a fine.
Under the bill, offenders may be required to undertake community service for not more than eight hours a day instead of serving time in prison.
A roundtable discussion was held during the meeting, allowing stakeholders to share their views and contribute to the ongoing deliberations.
The Chairman of the Committee, James Agalga, and the Ranking Member, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, both called for the bill to be fast-tracked.
They stressed the need to ensure that its implementation does not create an additional financial burden on the state.
The Committee is expected to continue its sittings until Friday, April 17, 2026, as it works towards finalising its recommendations on the bill.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama today cut the sod for the construction of a 24-Hour Economy Model Market in Juapong, North Tongu District, marking the commencement of a transformative project aimed at boosting local commerce, creating sustainable jobs, and driving economic growth in the Volta Region.
The sod-cutting ceremony formed part of the President’s two-day ‘Resetting Ghana Tour’ of the Volta Region.
Addressing residents and stakeholders, President Mahama described the proposed facility as a modern economic centre designed to empower farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
He noted that beyond serving as a marketplace, the project will provide critical infrastructure for storage, processing, packaging, distribution, digital commerce, and access to financial services.
The President reaffirmed Government’s commitment to accelerating development across the Volta Region through strategic investments in roads, healthcare, education, agriculture, transport, markets, and agro-industrial initiatives.
He highlighted Juapong’s strategic location and economic potential, indicating that the town is well-positioned to emerge as a key commercial and industrial destination within the region.
As part of the flagship 24-Hour Economy programme, the Juapong Model Market will be among the largest facilities under the initiative.
The project has been designated as a Category Four Market, the highest classification within the programme, reflecting its significance to the region’s economic transformation.
Broadcast journalist and aspiring National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Gomoa West, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has pledged to embark on major infrastructure development if elected to represent the constituency in Parliament.
Speaking on Onua TV platform, Captain Smart said his priority would be to transform Gomoa West through extensive development projects.
“I will turn the constituency into a construction site,” he declared, stressing his commitment to improving infrastructure across the area.
Although much of his remarks focused on rallying supporters in local languages, he repeatedly assured residents that they would witness significant development under his leadership.
Captain Smart also urged party supporters to remain united and actively participate in the party’s internal activities ahead of the parliamentary primaries.
He expressed confidence in his bid and promised to work hard to improve the lives of people in Gomoa West if given the opportunity to serve as their parliamentary candidate.
By: Jacob Aggrey
