The wheels of justice in Ghana’s Upper East Region are set for a significant boost as the government moves to establish a dedicated remand centre in Bolgatanga.
This initiative, announced by Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga at the first regional press soiree of the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration on January 21, 2026, promises to address longstanding challenges faced by both prisoners and the justice system.
For years, the absence of a remand facility in Bolgatanga has forced the transportation of remand prisoners to Navrongo, a logistical burden that has only worsened with congestion at the Navrongo Prisons, particularly in the wake of ongoing security concerns in Bawku. The result has been frequent delays in court proceedings and mounting pressure on the Ghana Prisons Service.
Minister Atanga explained that, recognising these hurdles, he has initiated consultations with both the Ghana Prisons Service and the Ministry of the Interior to chart a new course. “The establishment of a remand centre in Bolgatanga will ease logistical pressure, reduce delays in court cases, and ensure fairer, more timely access to justice for remand prisoners across the region,” he said.
Progress is already visible. On December 22, 2025, the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service visited Bolgatanga to meet with the Minister of Prisons. Together, they inspected a proposed site for the new centre. This location could serve as a temporary solution while stakeholders within the municipality work to identify an ideal, permanent parcel of land.
Mr. Atanga emphasized that the proposed remand centre is not just a local solution but part of the broader governance and justice reform agenda championed by President John Dramani Mahama. The project underscores the administration’s commitment to human rights, institutional reforms, and expanding access to justice for all Ghanaians.
As the search for a permanent site continues, the announcement has brought hope to legal practitioners, prison officials, and families alike. If successful, the Bolgatanga remand centre could become a model for other regions, ensuring that justice is not delayed and that the rights and dignity of all citizens remain at the heart of Ghana’s judicial system.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
