GENERAL NEWS

Increasing number of inmates worry authorities of Kumasi Central prisons

The increasing number of inmates at the Kumasi Central Prisons has indeed become a pressing issue. The facility, originally designed for 500 inmates, now houses 1,627 individuals, including both convicts and those on remand. This overwhelming number has placed a huge strain on resources, particularly in terms of feeding the inmates, with a feeding grant of just Gh¢1.80 per inmate per day. As a result, the prison authorities are struggling to provide adequate nutrition, leading to health issues among the prisoners.

Regional Commander James B. Mwinyelle highlighted the serious consequences of this overcrowding, including poor health conditions and the high cost of medical treatment. The lack of space for exercise and poor living conditions have only compounded the problems faced by the inmates and the authorities.

The facility is also struggling with basic necessities like soap, with the need for Gh¢8,000 monthly to provide carbolic soap for all inmates. The limited diet—mostly ‘Banku’ and ‘Keta boys’ soup, with rice served only during Christmas—is another area of concern.

Mwinyelle called for a review of the feeding grant to better reflect the cost of living and the market prices for food, as well as for an increase in the daily allowance to between Gh¢7 and Gh¢10 per inmate. He also stressed the need to reform the country’s criminal justice system, promoting non-custodial sentences such as community service to reduce overcrowding in the prisons. His call for greater public interest and support in improving the conditions of prisons is vital for creating a more humane and effective system.

This situation points to the broader need for systemic reforms in the treatment of inmates and the conditions of Ghana’s prisons.

Source: GNA

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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