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The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has expressed hope that President John Dramani Mahama will quickly assent to the Community Service Bill, 2026, to pave the way for its implementation.
Speaking on The Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, July 11, Mr. Tameklo said the legislation is important to him, having grown up around Kpando Prison and witnessed some of the challenges within the correctional system.
“The community service bill is one that is clear to me, having grown up around Kpandu Prison. I pray President Mahama assents to it as soon as possible so that it can be implemented,” he said.
Parliament recently passed the Community Service Bill, 2026, which introduces community service as an alternative to custodial sentences for certain categories of offenders.
The law is expected to help reduce overcrowding in prisons, promote restorative justice, and give offenders the opportunity to contribute positively to society.
Under the new framework, judges will have the discretion to issue community service orders instead of prison sentences for minor offences. The Bill also provides guidelines for supervision, monitoring, and enforcement to ensure accountability and rehabilitation.
The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, commended Parliament for the successful passage of the legislation, describing it as a significant step in Ghana’s justice sector reforms.
The implementation of the law will involve collaboration between the Ministry of Justice, the Judicial Service, local authorities, and civil society organisations.
The passage of the Bill has been welcomed by legal experts and human rights advocates, who believe non-custodial sentencing options will help address challenges in Ghana’s correctional system while promoting fair and effective justice.
Story by Efua Nessa