Project Manager of POS Foundation, Sylvester Anthony Appiah-Honny, has called for the implementation of an alternative sentencing regime in Ghana to address the negative impact of incarcerating minor offenders alongside serious criminals.

According to Appiah-Honny, sentencing individuals for minor offenses to prison, where they are mixed with those who have committed serious crimes, exacerbates the problem. "When minor offenders are jailed with hardened criminals, it adversely affects them," he stated during an appearance on the Law Show on Joy News

He explained that the current prison conditions are not conducive to reforming minor offenders.

Mr Appiah-Honny emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for reformation. He cited the example of petty offenders who, when mixed with serious criminals like armed robbers and rapists, form negative associations.

Upon release, these individuals often face stigmatization and lack support, which can lead them back into criminal activities. "A person who committed a minor offense can escalate to more serious crimes after their release due to the negative influences they encountered in prison," he warned.

He highlighted the economic benefits of alternative sentencing, noting that it could ease the government's budget constraints. "Currently, the feeding grant for prisoners is GH₵1.80 for three meals. Instead of spending taxpayers' money on feeding prisoners, let's create alternative sentences," he suggested. "For example, poor individuals who cannot pay fines should not automatically receive custodial sentences."

Mr Appiah-Honny proposed community service as a viable alternative. "Instead of sending these individuals to prison, let's utilize them for the benefit of the community," he said. "They can perform tasks such as sweeping streets, cleaning gutters, and other menial jobs that will be beneficial to the state.

“So for me these are the keys that I think it is important for us to have other alternatives sentencing regimes in Ghana.” he said

Read also : Alternative sentencing will be useful to the poor – Mina Mensah