Ghana explores electronic ankle bracelets as alternative to strict bail requirements

Legal commentators in Ghana argue that current bail conditions often demand multiple sureties, landed property or other substantial assets, effectively keeping many accused persons in detention despite bail being granted on paper. The Ghanaian Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence (Article 19(2)(c)) and personal liberty (Article 14), and the Supreme Court has affirmed that bail must not become a disguised punishment. To address these onerous requirements, the proposal recommends the use of electronic tracking bracelets or anklets in appropriate cases. Such devices could monitor an accused person’s movements and be combined with reporting, curfew or travel‑restriction orders, with tampering triggering enforcement actions.

The suggestion cites existing Supreme Court decisions (e.g., *Martin Kpebu v. Attorney‑General* and *Gorman v. Republic*) that stress judicial discretion in bail matters, and it highlights the potential for technology to balance the need for court appearance with the protection of personal liberty.