The Osagyefo Kpolly Armah Foundation, in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Prisons Command, has renovated and commissioned the female prison health facility at the Central Prisons in Kumasi.
The project, which included an expanded office space for officers and a urinal, is aimed at strengthening the partnership between the foundation and the Ghana Prisons Service as well as improve healthcare delivery for both inmates and officers.
Mr. Peter Kpolly Armah, Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, said at the commissioning ceremony that access to healthcare is a matter of dignity and rehabilitation for female inmates.
He noted that prison sentences must not be a sentence of neglect but a rehabilitation centre. He also called on the government, civil society organisations, philanthropists and businessmen to deepen their support for correctional facilities since the prison is for everybody, be it a mother, a wife, and a sister; hence the need to ensure good health for the inmates.
He pledged the foundation’s commitment to support the facility with consumables and to collaborate with health service providers and urged officers to maintain the facility to serve its intended purpose.
Engineer Emmanuel Yaw Okai, a member of the foundation, also called on the government, CSOs, philanthropists and the media to support correctional facilities. He reiterated the foundation’s commitment to provide consumables and work with health service providers to sustain the facility.
The Ashanti Regional Commander of Prisons, DDP James B. Mwinyelle, explained that the male prison health facility had earlier been refurbished by the Regional Coordinating Council during the Ashantifest.
He commended the Osagyefo Kpolly Armah Foundation and applauded inmate carpenters and others who contributed to the renovation works.
He urged the media to keep highlighting issues concerning inmates through proper checks and reporting.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, commended Osagyefo Kpolly Armah Foundation for the kind gesture done to the inmates in support of the government commitment to ensure healthcare and rehabilitation of the inmates.
He also commended the officials for maintaining the facility and assured inmates that the government is ready to support them.
Dr. Amoakohene disclosed that four female inmates in Kumasi have been nominated for presidential pardon this year. He explained that good behaviour is considered because prison is also a training ground where inmates acquire skills to enable them to integrate into society when they are released.
He appealed to the general public to benevolently support the prison medical bank and the welfare of inmates.
He noted that feeding fees for inmates have been increased from Gh¢1.80 to Gh¢5.00 and urged the media to help protect the dignity of inmates.
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