Koforidua: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Legal Aid Commission (LAC) of Ghana, has initiated a five-day paralegal training workshop for officers of the Ghana Prisons Service. This event is being held in Koforidua and is designed to enhance the officers' capabilities in utilizing paralegals to provide increased legal assistance to inmates, thereby broadening access to justice. According to Ghana News Agency, the training is themed 'Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery for Improved Access to Justice for the Poor and Vulnerable in Ghana' and is supported by funding from the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. During the workshop, Ms. Jennifer Asuako, a UNDP Programme Analyst specializing in gender and human rights, addressed the participants, stressing the importance of access to justice as a fundamental right. She highlighted that many individuals are unaware of their rights or are unable to advocate for themselves due to their vulnerable circumstances, pa rticularly the poor and marginalized who face legal challenges without adequate representation. These vulnerable individuals often experience illegal interrogation methods, torture, coerced confessions, and extended pre-trial detention, which can result in wrongful convictions. The training aims to empower prison officers to better assist inmates, thus contributing to a more equitable justice system in Ghana. Ms. Asuako mentioned that since 2017, the UNDP has been collaborating with the Legal Aid Commission to establish a strong foundation for the use of paralegals in legal aid delivery. This collaboration began with a policy dialogue that included representatives from Sierra Leone and Malawi to share their experiences with Ghana, leading to the development of a paralegal framework in 2020 and a guide for legal aid delivery in 2022. In 2024, a paralegal training curriculum and manual were developed. Mr. Edmund Foley, the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Commission, emphasized the critical partnership bet ween the Ghana Prisons Service and the LAC. He underscored the importance of this collaboration for effective justice delivery in Ghana. Mr. Foley also acknowledged the vital role of paralegals in the legal system, explaining that they inform individuals of their rights, prepare defenses, and facilitate access to justice. He noted that the contributions of paralegals are invaluable and are recognized globally. Representing the Director General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr. Benedict Bob-Dery, the Director of Prisons in charge of Human Resources, stated that the Ghana Prisons Service is a crucial part of the Criminal Justice System. He reaffirmed the Service's dedication to its mandate, which includes ensuring the safe custody, welfare, reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates into society. However, Mr. Bob-Dery pointed out the significant challenge posed by the increasing prison population, leading to overcrowding in many of the 44 facilities. As of October 27, 2024, the total prison populatio n was 14,294, with an authorized capacity of only 10,265, resulting in an overcrowding rate of 39.25 percent. Mr. Bob-Dery mentioned that the Service, in collaboration with various state agencies and development partners, has implemented measures to address this issue. Initiatives such as the Justice for All Program and the upcoming Community Sentencing Bill have been introduced to help reduce overcrowding. He described the paralegal training as a crucial step towards achieving the Ghana Prisons Service's goal of assisting vulnerable individuals in custody to access justice, as reflected in the training's theme.