News:
May 29, 2026
As the Community Service Bill 2026 moves to its second reading on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings has called on her fellow lawmakers in Ghana’s Parliament to actively participate in crafting the legislation.
Drawing attention to paragraph 8.4 of the Defence and Interior Committee’s report, she described the proposed gender-sensitive sentencing as a revolutionary step for Ghana.
“It looks at specific peculiar conditions for women who may be pregnant or have dependent children, and the considerations that must be taken into account when sentencing them – recognising that women have suffered gender-based trauma and abuse,” she said.
Dr. Rawlings further noted that the Bill aims to ensure that, in the future, no member of a community undergoing sentencing will be subjected to abuse or trauma that leaves them worse off than when they entered the system.
She highlighted that this approach aligns with Article 27 of the 1992 Constitution and the global framework for eliminating all forms of discrimination against women. “This shows that Ghana is truly looking forward – not just in gender budgeting, but in our Bills as well,” she added.
“I hope we will take cognisance of the fact that our communities should be able to benefit from some of these sentencing regimes, rather than having them become a burden on the community. We must also ensure that the taxpayer is not shouldering extra burdens regarding the feeding and accommodation of sentenced persons,” she stated.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso / Ghanamps.com