The Ghana Prisons Service has emphasized that members of the public should never hand cash directly to inmates performing duties in town.
Speaking to Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, Superintendent of Prisons Samuel Kofi Opoku explained that handling physical currency outside correctional facilities is strictly prohibited for inmates. Giving money directly to prisoners violates standard administrative rules and security protocols. Instead, any financial assistance or donations intended for inmates must be handed over to the supervising prison officers on-site.
This process ensures that all contributions—especially during public or community labor assignments—are properly recorded, monitored, and safely channeled toward the inmates’ welfare. Direct cash gifts pose a ongoing challenge, as inmates sometimes attempt to pass these funds to visiting family members.
Reflecting on these regulations, Superintendent Opoku stated:
“It is a standard administrative rule and security policy in the Ghana Prisons Service that the public should hand over donations or money meant for inmates to supervising prison officers, rather than giving physical cash directly to the prisoners. It is wrong to hand over the money directly to the inmates. This is a challenge we have discussed several times. The officers are supposed to be in charge of the inmates, and we also have punishments for officers who allow these things to happen.
After these monies are handed over to the officers, they are obliged to hand them over to the inmates. We have a cash book for the inmates where we keep records of the monies they receive, especially when they go out for outside labor.”
He clarified that only qualified inmates are permitted outside prison facilities to engage in paid labor.
Additionally, Superintendent Opoku addressed public concerns regarding why officers and inmates are frequently seen walking through town rather than using vehicular transport. He explained that in most instances, the inmates themselves prefer to walk, enjoy the environment, and go sightseeing while saving their designated transport allowance.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
