You Can’t Steal $1m and Expect GHS10K Bail – Justice Dzamefe Backs Stricter Bail Conditions
Supreme Court nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe has thrown his support behind stricter bail conditions for suspects, arguing that bail amounts should reflect the gravity of alleged crimes—particularly in financial offences.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, 2025, Justice Dzamefe said while bail is not intended as punishment, it is inappropriate for suspects accused of stealing large sums to be granted disproportionately low bail amounts.
“You cannot steal $1 million and expect a GHS10, 000 bail,” he told the Committee. “That would be tantamount to simply allowing the accused to walk free without accountability.”
Currently a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dzamefe emphasized that practical wisdom is vital in administering justice. “Law is 20% technical knowledge and 80% wisdom,” he said, stressing that judges must exercise sound judgment, especially in a system where many Ghanaians navigate the courts without legal representation.
During the vetting, Justice Dzamefe also outlined a series of proposals to improve Ghana’s judicial system and reduce delays in the courts. Key among them was the call for:
The establishment of more courts to help spread the workload,
The introduction of artificial intelligence to produce instant court transcripts,
The use of virtual court sessions to reduce travel costs for litigants.
“By the end of a court sitting, records should be ready,” he said, proposing that criminal trials be concluded within three months and civil cases within six months, to promote speedy justice delivery.
On issues relating to property and inheritance law, Justice Dzamefe reaffirmed the courts’ commitment to equity and legal fairness. In response to a question from MP Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, he said that jointly acquired property in divorce cases is shared equitably, and that inheritance matters are governed by PNDC Law 111 or valid wills. He cited the Agyei v. Nartey case as an example, where the court stepped in to ensure “reasonable provision” for surviving spouses.
He also backed the idea of public tribunals as a means of enhancing access to justice, telling the Committee that the inclusion of laypersons in the judicial process offers fresh, unfiltered perspectives. “Laypeople bring wisdom to cases and cannot be bullied,” he said, in response to a question from MP Patrick Yaw Boamah.
On the judiciary’s financial situation, Justice Dzamefe expressed concern over its dependence on Parliament for funding. In response to MP Hassan Tampuli, he noted: “Judicially and administratively, we are independent. Financially, I don’t think we are, because Parliament allocates our budget.”
He advocated for greater financial autonomy for the judiciary to strengthen institutional efficiency and independence.
Justice Dzamefe’s remarks were well received by the Committee, as members lauded his practical ideas and expressed hope for meaningful reforms within the justice system should he be approved for the apex court.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
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