'Excessive bail conditions must be reviewed' – GBA President

Ghana Bar Association (GBA) President Efua Ghartey has called for a review of excessive bail conditions imposed on suspects, particularly in cases involving social media commentators and TikTokers.

She said the GBA’s proposed committee would help provide legal aid to social commentators whose fundamental rights may be at risk.

“In cases where social commentators, such as the arrest of TikTokers, the Committee would be able to give the requisite legal aid to suspects,” she said.

Ghartey said the Association had already taken steps to address concerns over bail conditions, after adopting a resolution on the issue at its maiden fully virtual Mid-year Conference on June 5, 2026.

“Excessive bail conditions imposed by investigative and prosecutorial authorities must be reviewed to ensure they do not undermine the rights of suspects,” she said.

She said the proposed committee would also provide an avenue for the legal profession to monitor cases where fundamental rights were at stake and offer the necessary legal support.

Ghartey further stressed that suspects must be protected by the presumption of innocence and other constitutional safeguards during the administration of justice.

She made the remarks at the opening of the GBA’s 2026/2027 Annual Conference in Ada.