Community Service Bill to Help Decongest Overcrowded Prisons – James Agalga
The Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Interior, Hon. James Agalga, has revealed that the proposed Community Service Bill, 2026, is designed not only to promote civic responsibility and patriotism, but also to help decongest Ghana’s overcrowded prisons through non-custodial sentencing.
Presenting the Committee’s report on the Bill during the second reading on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Agalga explained that the proposed legislation seeks to establish a legal framework for community service as an alternative form of punishment for minor offences.
According to him, the Bill is intended to reform aspects of the country’s criminal justice system by allowing certain offenders to undertake supervised community service instead of serving custodial sentences.
“The Bill seeks to establish a framework for community service aimed at promoting civic responsibility, patriotism and national development, while at the same time helping to reduce congestion in our prisons,” Hon. Agalga told the House.
He noted that the growing pressure on correctional facilities across the country makes it necessary for Ghana to adopt modern sentencing approaches that focus on rehabilitation, restoration and reintegration rather than punishment alone.
The Community Service Bill, 2026, proposes that eligible offenders may be assigned to undertake public service activities such as sanitation exercises, environmental maintenance, public cleaning, and other socially beneficial work under strict supervision.
Hon. Agalga indicated that the Committee extensively engaged key stakeholders during its consideration of the Bill, including representatives from the judiciary, security agencies, civil society organisations and other relevant institutions.
He said the Committee was satisfied that the proposed legislation would strengthen the justice delivery system and contribute meaningfully to national development if passed into law.
“The Committee is confident that the implementation of this Bill will positively impact the country by promoting discipline, accountability and rehabilitation among offenders,” he stressed.
The report has since been laid before Parliament for further consideration as lawmakers continue deliberations on the proposed legislation.
Source: Felix NYAABA//expressnewsghana.com
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