No, misdemeanours do attract a prison term in Ghana, even 25 years
A few weeks ago, a certain wind began to blow through our legal streets, and it appears to be gaining momentum. It carries a seductive but specious dictum that misdemeanours in Ghana attract no custodial sentence, only a fine; that bail in such cases is a matter of right; and that a judge who refuses it deserves to be rusticated to the classroom.
In Ghana, even misdemeanours can result in a prison sentence, including a maximum of 25 years in some cases. This contradicts the belief that only fines are applicable for less severe crimes. Section 296(4) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) states that if an offence not listed in subsection (5) is deemed a misdemeanour and its punishment is unspecified, the convicted individual will face up to three years in prison.
However, seven of these misdemeanours have been extended to 25 years due to Section 296(5) of the same act. These offences include fraud by agents, possession of instruments for unlawful entry, and corruption of public officials, among others. Despite being classified as misdemeanours, these crimes can still carry a significant prison term.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
