The Amnesty International –Ghana has called for a review of the EI 164 (Executive Instrument) which calls for custodial sentences for people who fall foul of the law on the Imposition of Restrictive Act, 2000.
The Act provides for the imposition of restrictions in accordance with paragraph ( c) (d) of clause 4 of article of the Constitution.
Per the Act, the President is empowered to impose restrictions to ensure the protection of its citizens as it deems fit.
The Act was promulgated in the event of the covid-19 that frowns on public, religious and any form of gatherings, including funerals, weddings among others.
However, non adherence to the Law calls for custodial sentence or a minimum of four years and maximum of 10 in jail, or a minimum of GHC 6,000 and a maximum of GHC120,000 or both.
Amnesty International –Ghana believes the sanctions are not progressive and is therefore calling for a review of the EI-164 to decongest the prisons.
In an interview with Ahotor 92.3 fm news, the Ghana branch Director of Amnesty International, Mr Akoto Amoafo noted that, the Act could further congest the prisons which are already over populated.
Therefore, there is the need to commute such custodial sentences to non-custodial, so as to decongest the prisons, and further reduce any transmission of infections at the prisons.
Godfred Sey/Ahotoronline
