Punishment imposed on persons who breach face mask protocol too harsh – GBA
The Ghana Bar Association says the punishment for not wearing masks under Ghana’s restriction law is too harsh.
The association, in a statement, argues that the current punishment will rather increase the number of convicts in the country’s prisons since a lot of people cannot afford to pay fines.
Under the Executive Instrument (E.I 164), persons who fail to wear a face mask in public, risk spending four to 10 years in prison or a fine between GH¢12,000 to GH¢60,000 or both.
This, the association considers as harsh.
“The GBA would, therefore, suggest, in the circumstances, an amendment of the said section 6 impose punishment that is less severe”
“The Bar would propose a fine of not less than ten penalty units and not more than one hundred and fifty penalty units or a term of imprisonment not less than one month and not more than two years “the statement read.
One penalty unit equals GHc 12.
Section 4 (1) of the Executive Instrument 164 states that the police have the authority to make random checks to “ensure enforcement compliance”.
A private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has also described the sanctions as ridiculous.
Read the full statement below: