President John Dramani Mahama has stated that as part of comprehensive prison reforms, his administration is working to complete the 800-inmate capacity remand prison at Nsawam, which was initiated by his previous government in 2016 but has since been abandoned.

The reforms also include a review of bail conditions to prevent undue hardship, particularly for the poor, and the expansion of alternative sentencing for minor and non-violent offences.

“Our administration’s prison reform agenda rests on a fundamental belief that no Ghanaian should be stripped of their humanity even when they are in prison. We are therefore implementing far-reaching reforms which include, amongst others, expanding the use of alternative sentencing for minor and non-violent offences.

“Reviewing bail conditions to avoid undue hardship, especially for the poor. Introducing a parole system to reward good behaviour and accelerate reintegration. Completing the 800-inmate capacity remand prison at Nsawam, initiated by my previous administration in 2016, which has been left abandoned,” he said.

The President also noted that the Ghana Prisons Service is being supported to undertake large-scale farming, including poultry and vegetable production.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Damongo Prison Camp on Wednesday, November 5, he said that the government will provide fertilisers and mechanised equipment to enhance productivity over the next three years.

“…in agriculture, the prison service is being supported to engage in large-scale farming, including poultry and vegetable production.  The government is providing fertiliser and mechanised equipment to improve productivity over the next three years. The prison service is going to receive agricultural tractors so that they can activate their prison camps,” he said.

Sompaonline.com