President John Dramani Mahama marked a rare and historic milestone on Saturday, April 25, 2026, by joining inmates at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison for a special fellowship service.
Organized in partnership with the Men’s Ministry of the Assemblies of God Church, the event featured worship and prayer sessions aimed at offering spiritual renewal. Rev. Benjamin Tettey, Head Pastor of Ringway Gospel Centre, delivered a sermon urging inmates to embrace faith and reform as pathways to a better future.
Key Policy Announcements and Infrastructure
During the visit, President Mahama announced significant shifts in prison administration and inmate welfare:
– Amnesty and Parole: The President revealed plans to fast-track parole processes, stating that at least 1,000 inmates are expected to be released in July under an amnesty initiative.
– Healthcare Expansion: Addressing the high cost of medical referrals, the President pledged to collaborate with the Lordina Mahama Foundation to explore establishing dedicated healthcare facilities within the prison system.
– Recreational Upgrades: Plans were disclosed to construct an astroturf pitch and a basketball court to improve recreational infrastructure at the facility.
– Congestion Relief: The President inspected the construction of an 800-capacity remand prison and a 5,000-layer poultry farm, committing to the swift completion of the new remand wing to ease overcrowding.
Acknowledgments and Appeals
Director-General of Prisons, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, commended the government for a significant intervention in inmate nutrition, noting the increase of the daily feeding rate from GH¢1.80 to GH¢5.00.
Inmates present at the service also voiced their needs, specifically appealing for the inclusion of prison education programs within the national scholarship scheme and school feeding initiatives.
Donations and Support
Refencing the biblical mandate in Matthew 25:36 to care for the imprisoned, President Mahama and his delegation donated a substantial quantity of food items to the facility. The contribution included:
– 250 bags of rice
– 50 bags each of maize, gari, and sugar
– 30 gallons of cooking oil
– 50 cartons each of tomato paste and spaghetti
– 50 boxes of sardines
The visit concluded with the President reiterating the government’s commitment to humane reforms and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
Source: classfmonline.com
