Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu is urging the modernization of Ghana’s bail system, proposing the use of electronic monitoring and house arrest as alternative measures for suspects who are unable to meet stringent bail conditions.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr. Kpebu noted that such reforms could be particularly helpful in high-profile cases where accused persons are granted large bail sums but struggle to fulfill the requirements.
“We can modernize the system. Let’s review the bail conditions and consider other options like collateral or house arrest,” he said.
Kpebu explained that with house arrest, a suspect would be confined to a location—typically their residence—and monitored using an electronic bracelet that tracks movement.
“It functions just like a car tracker. You wear it on your leg or wrist, and if you step out of the allowed area, security personnel are immediately alerted. It beeps when you breach the boundary,” he explained.
His comments come in the wake of the continued detention of Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.
He remains in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after failing to meet the GH₵50 million bail condition with two justified sureties.
Chairman Wontumi is under investigation over alleged financial transactions involving the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
According to Kpebu, the introduction of electronic monitoring would not only ensure compliance but also reduce pressure on suspects to immediately meet steep bail conditions.
He emphasized that such technological solutions would especially benefit public figures, who are increasingly coming under legal scrutiny.
“This technology will help, especially the big men who get arrested and are slapped with huge bail amounts. More politicians and officials will face this – this is just the beginning,” Kpebu warned.
Kpebu, who is part of the Operation Retrieve All Looted Assets (ORAL) team, hinted that more high-profile investigations are underway.
He argued that adopting modern, tech-based enforcement tools like electronic tracking would enhance accountability and reduce the risk of bail breaches.
“If our leaders embrace technology and accountability, this will work in their favor. It allows them to comply with the law from the comfort of their homes,” he added.
