In what could best be described as a show of love and compassion, Focus 1 Media Group has extended a hand of help to the inmates of Sekondi Prisons on valentine day.
Spearheaded by the Adu-Mante Foundation, the annual tradition aims to show love and alleviate the hardships faced by those within the prison walls.
Speaking to the media on behalf of Kwame Adu-Mante, CEO of Focus 1 Group, Mrs. Evelyn Adu-Mante, Director of Focus 1 Distribution, said the gesture exemplified the true spirit of Valentine’s Day.
She added that for over 15 years, this noble tradition has remained unwavering, with this year’s contribution encompassing cartons of drinks, food packs, water and other essentials.
“As the world celebrates the season of love today and Spice FM – one of our radio stations celebrates its 11th year anniversary, we are all here to express our love to our brothers and sisters in Sekondi Prisons. As we have been doing for the past 15 years, this year is no exception as we come with home-cooked hot meals, drinks, water and chocolate to dine with over 800 of you in here.”
Additionally, a substantial cash donation of GH20,000 was presented to aid the construction of an infirmary within the prison premises, recognising the importance of healthcare for the inmates.
“Because your health is of importance to us, we are also donating a check amount of GHS 20,000 to help build your infirmary. It is the foundation’s expectation that the donation helps to facilitate the infirmary in providing adequate healthcare to the inmates”, she added.
Deputy Director of Sekondi Prisons, Abraham Allotey, gratefully received the donations on behalf of the inmates, acknowledging the profound impact such gestures have on their lives.
“For the love that you’ve shown us here today on Val’s Day, the inmates and us will like to say a very big thank you. We pray that this donation will go a long way to solving and addressing some of the pressing issues in here.”
Despite the numerous obstacles, including issues with feeding and overcrowding, Mr. Allotey remained optimistic that continued support from benevolent organisations and government would pave the way for solutions.
He, however, urged the public to adopt an open-minded approach towards reintegrating former inmates into society, emphasising the importance of acceptance and support upon their release.
“As for challenges, we have a lot of them – our feeding, over-crowding and others. But we hope that as time goes on with the help of some benevolent institutions and government, we will solve them. Nobody stays here forever, apart from those jailed for life. I’m pleading with those at home not to discriminate, but have a clean mentality of welcoming the inmates when they come out.”
