Ato Forson announces GH¢2.26bn allocation to justice sector, NIA and Nsawam Prison

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced a combined allocation of approximately GH¢2.26 billion to key institutions responsible for the administration of justice, legal assistance, custodial infrastructure and national identification in the 2027 Budget.

Presenting the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament, Dr Forson said the government had earmarked GH¢1.43 billion for the Judicial Service to support the administration of justice.

The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice will receive approximately GH¢500 million to support their operations and mandate, while the Legal Aid Commission has been allocated GH¢60.3 million to improve access to legal assistance.

The Finance Minister also announced GH¢100 million for the completion of the Nsawam Remand Prison as part of efforts to improve the country's custodial infrastructure.

The project is expected to strengthen prison accommodation, particularly for remand prisoners awaiting trial, and contribute to improvements in the management of correctional facilities.

Additionally, the National Identification Authority (NIA) has been allocated GH¢171 million to support its operations and national identification responsibilities, including the management of Ghana's identification system.

The allocations highlight the government's proposed financial commitment to strengthening institutions that play important roles in justice delivery, legal representation, prison administration and national identification.

The Judicial Service's GH¢1.43 billion provision constitutes the largest of the allocations announced, reflecting its central role in the country's justice system.

The GH¢60.3 million for the Legal Aid Commission is also significant for access to justice, particularly for individuals who cannot afford private legal representation.