Prison boss bemoans dwindling budget allocation from the government to the prisons

02-01-14      

ASP  Francis Deku (In-hat) receiving the items on behalf of the in-mates

The Upper East Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service , DDP Alhassan Nahii  has emphasized the urgent need for government to address the dwindling budget allocation to the country’s prisons, which he noted was inadequate and not forthcoming. He said considering the malnourished and poor eating habits of prison in mates, there was the need for government to intervene by increasing their current feeding rate of GHc1.80 pesewas since their condition was precarious and expose them to all kinds of diseases. He moreover stated that the country’s prisons were still bedevilled with limited space to house the in mates, thus leading to overcrowding. The situation, he bemoaned requires government attention to enhance their wellbeing.  DDP Nahii made the appeal when members of the Prisons Ministry of Ghana, Bolgatanga chapter visited and feted in-mates of the Navrongo Prisons in Navrongo. The group led by the Chairman, Vincent Chaitey presented assorted drinks, toiletries as well as   food items to the in-mates. In a short message, Mr Chaitey appealed to government to through the prison service to strengthen the prison service and consider  providing training and employable skills for prison in-mates. This, he observed would keep them busy after serving their jail term. Beyond that, in mates through the training they have acquired would be self-reliant and depend less on their family and friends. According to Mr Chaitey, the Prison Ministry which seeks to provide a burning faith in the lives of in-mates would do its bit by equipping in-mates of the Navrongo Prisons with training in carpentry, masonry, weaving and tailoring among other vocational and technical skills. He however implored NGOs and corporate institutions that are capable of offering training support to the stressful conditions of prisoners to do so. In a brief exhortation, a member of the Prisons Ministry, Mr Joseph Jessy Panin advised the public not to see prisoners as outcast but rather show them love and compassion as many are convicted circumstantially. He moreover urged the in -mates not to lose hope but instead have faith in God.  To Mr Jessy Panin, it was not in the interest of the ministry to periodically reach out to the in-mates so efforts should be made to be of good behaviour and think of doing something meaningful in the life.  Meanwhile, some in mates of the Navrongo Prisons have been engaged in smock weaving whilst the Municipal assembly has provided a borehole to address the perennial water shortage at the prison yard.

GBC                                                              END                                                    IA/