The Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Haruna Iddrisu, has strongly criticised what he described as the growing “weaponization” of bail conditions by state institutions in the country, warning that the practice undermines human rights and the justice system.
Speaking at a public program on justice and human rights, the former Minority Leader expressed concern over what he termed excessive actions by the police, prosecutors, and the courts in the handling of bail applications, particularly in cases involving members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to Haruna Iddrisu, bail conditions are increasingly being used not as a legal mechanism to ensure suspects appear before court, but rather as a form of punishment even before accused persons are convicted.
His remarks, which have since surfaced widely on social media, have sparked public debate over the fairness and impartiality of Ghana’s criminal justice system.
“In Ghana today, we have seen excesses — excesses from the police, excesses from the courts, excesses from EOCO — denying persons bail and using bail as punishment for accused persons,” he stated.
“That is not law. It is tried knowledge and tried law that don’t deny an accused person bail or ask an accused person to pay excessively as a punishment to the accused person if you uphold the right to a fair trial and uphold the right to innocence at trial.”
The Education Minister stressed that the constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and therefore suspects must not be subjected to harsh or unreasonable bail conditions that effectively punish them before trial.
He argued that excessive bail requirements, prolonged delays in granting bail, and arbitrary denials of bail violate fundamental principles of justice and fair trial.
“Every person is presumed innocent,” he emphasised, adding that Ghana must “end the high-handedness and excessiveness in matters relating to bail, its denial and charges.”
Haruna Iddrisu’s comments come at a time when concerns have been raised by sections of the public, legal practitioners, and civil society organisations over the recent treatment of suspects in high-profile cases.
Critics have often accused some state institutions of imposing burdensome bail conditions, including extremely high financial requirements and multiple sureties, which they argue disproportionately affect political opponents and ordinary citizens without financial means.
Although the Minister did not mention any specific cases during his speech, his comments are already generating reactions across the political divide, with many social media users debating whether the criminal justice system is being used fairly and independently.
Legal analysts say the issue of bail conditions remains a sensitive one, as the courts are expected to balance the rights of accused persons with the need to ensure justice and prevent interference with investigations.
The comments by Haruna Iddrisu are expected to further fuel national discussions on judicial reforms, human rights protections, and the role of state institutions in safeguarding democratic principles.
By 1960news.com
