Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has presented a new bill to Parliament aimed at amending the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).
The proposed changes introduce community service and a Bond of Good Behaviour as alternatives to traditional custodial sentences and fines for minor offenses.
Mr. Sosu introduced the bill on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
In the realm of criminal justice, community service serves as an alternative form of sentencing, involving individuals who have committed offenses in performing unpaid work or service for the benefit of the community.
This could include tasks such as cleaning public spaces, participating in environmental projects, working in community centers, assisting with social services, or engaging in other activities that contribute to community well-being.
Conversely, a Bond of Good Behaviour refers to a court-ordered condition imposed on individuals involved in criminal activities. Typically a part of the sentencing process, this requirement ensures that the person behaves lawfully and responsibly during a specified period.
According to the MP’s statement on the amendment, the introduction of community service or the Bond of Good Behaviour provides an opportunity for offenders to contribute their time and efforts to community-oriented projects or organizations. This approach aims to address the consequences of their actions, promote rehabilitation, and enhance overall community well-being.
Mr. Sosu emphasized the proposal’s benefits, stating, “In the first place, this proposal provides an alternative to Custodial Sentence and Fines: Community service and Bond of Good behaviour serve as an alternative to traditional forms of punishment, such as imprisonment or payment of fines. It allows offenders to remain in the community while still being held accountable for their actions. This also helps to decongest the prisons. As at December 2023, Ghana’s prison population stands at 13,200 despite an authorized capacity of 9,945 giving an overcrowding rate of 32.65 percent. An introduction of Community Service would go a long way to resolve this challenge.”
He further highlighted the evolving nature of punishment, stating, “Again, with the punishment evolving, Restorative Justice is currently the way to go: Community service and Bond of Good behaviour are a perfect example of restorative justice where the community turns to benefit directly from offenders. Through the unpaid services to the community, offenders are given the opportunity to repair the harm they caused to individuals or the community, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability,” he stated.