President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to introduce a parole system as part of his administration’s wide-ranging prison reforms.
The initiative, he said, would help improve conditions in Ghana’s correctional facilities and promote the humane treatment of inmates.
He disclosed this at the commissioning of the Damongo Prison Camp in the Savannah Region, which was financed by the Church of Pentecost Ghana.
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.
He assured that his administration remains committed to complete the 800-inmate capacity remand prison at Nsawam, which was initiated by his previous administration in 2016 but has since been left abandoned.
“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.
President Mahama noted that his administration is supporting the Prisons Service to venture into large-scale farming, including poultry and vegetable production, while providing fertilisers and mechanised equipment to enhance productivity over the next three years.
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, chapel/classroom, kitchen, dining hall, infirmary, CCTV installations and two mechanised boreholes.
Director-General of Prisons, Mrs Patience Baffoe Bonnie, described the facility as a place for restoration and renewal, while Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak hailed it as evidence of strong State-Church partnership.
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.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
