President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a 260-capacity Camp Prison facility at Damongo in the Savannah Region.
The ultra-modern centre, fully constructed and furnished by the Church of Pentecost for the Ghana Prisons Service, becomes the Church’s third correctional establishment under its ‘Safety and Security Project.’
The facility does not only serve as an inmate holding space but also prioritises education and rehabilitation, with carpentry and tailoring workshops, dormitories, a chapel/classroom, a kitchen, a dining hall, an infirmary, CCTV installations, and two mechanised boreholes.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama praised the Church for demonstrating faith in humanity and supporting the government in justice reforms, including the expansion of facilities, the review of harsh bail conditions, and the introduction of parole.
He explained that the new parole system will serve as an incentive for good behaviour among inmates and help fast-track their reintegration into society after serving part of their sentences.
“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,” the President said.
He added that the reforms will include expanding the use of alternative sentencing for minor and non-violent offences and reviewing bail conditions to prevent undue hardship, especially for the poor.
“We are therefore implementing far-reaching reforms which include, among 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.
“This initiative will not only generate income to sustain the service but also equip inmates with the practical skills they need for life after their release,” he noted.
The Director-General of Prisons, Mrs. Patience Baffoe Bonnie, described the facility as a place for restoration and renewal, while the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, hailed it as evidence of strong state-church partnership.
The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye (PhD), noted that the Church will continue to support national transformation, with work on a fourth facility in Obuasi well advanced.
Speaking at the commissioning of the newly-constructed Damongo Camp Prison on Wednesday, Apostle Nyamekye revealed that 251 inmates have already been trained in employable skills at similar Church-constructed facilities at Nsawam and Ejura.
He said 26 inmates have successfully completed National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI)-certified programmes, with start-up support provided to many of them upon release to enable them to work and reintegrate.
“We do not simply seek to secure release for prisoners; we seek to equip them. We are committed to touching their hearts, hands, and minds to prepare them for meaningful reintegration into society,” he said.
Apostle Nyamekye also announced that Pentecost University will from next year commence certificate and diploma programmes tailored for inmates, ex-convicts, and prison officers, further deepening reformation and reintegration efforts.
The Damongo facility adds to two existing modern Camp Prisons funded and built by the Church.
A fourth facility, located in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, is currently under construction.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
