Crime Check pays courtesy call on Legal Aid Commission, Criminal Investigation Department

The Crime Check Foundation (CCF) has paid a courtesy call on the Legal Aid Commission (LAC) as part of mobilization efforts ahead of the maiden National Ex-Convicts Conference.

The Conference, the first of its kind in Africa, is scheduled to take place on 4th November, 2026, at the GNAT Hall in Accra.

The Conference aims to provide a platform for ex-convicts to be heard by creating a safe and dignified space to share first-hand experiences of life after prison, the stigma they face, and what they need to rebuild their lives. It will also examine legal barriers in post-prison life by interrogating systemic challenges including the criminal records regime, denial of employment and housing, denial of Police Clearance, and social stigma, and how these drive recidivism.

Explaining the rationale behind the Conference, the Executive Director of CCF, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, emphasized the importance of effective reintegration of ex-convicts in reducing crime.

According to him, the Conference is dedicated solely to ex-convicts to come face-to-face with justice sector actors, government representatives and the private sector to develop a roadmap for a coordinated national ex-convicts reintegration policy.

He underscored the key role the LAC plays in ensuring effective reintegration of ex-convicts who need legal assistance when they face rejection due to their status.

The Executive Director of the Legal Aid Commission commended the Crime Check Foundation for its contribution to legal reforms and the promotion of human rights in the country. He acknowledged the challenges faced by ex-convicts and affirmed the Commission's commitment to being part of the discourse as a key partner.

In a related development, the Crime Check Foundation also called on the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, at her office.

Mr. Kwarteng drew the attention of COP Donkor to the fact that arrest alone is not enough in fighting crime, but effective reintegration of ex-convicts is equally crucial.

He raised concern about how crime has become cyclical, with the same people being arrested several times, making the work of the CID more difficult.

COP Donkor welcomed the concern raised and said the Department would give it the necessary attention.

The Conference will bring together the Judiciary, CHRAJ, the Ministry of the Interior, employers, traditional leaders and the international community, among others, to agree on actionable steps towards a coordinated National Reintegration Policy.