Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson Acknowledges Prison Officers’ Role in Inmate Reform and Security
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has recognized the critical role of prison officers in reforming inmates and ensuring security across Ghana’s prison facilities.
During a visit to security installations in the Western Region, Minister Nelson highlighted the enormous responsibility prison officers shoulder, especially given the serious crimes committed by some inmates.
“The job of keeping inmates safe as a way of protecting them and also reforming them is not a small responsibility,”
— Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister
Key Responsibilities of the Prisons Service
Minister Nelson emphasized that the Ghana Prisons Service plays a vital role in the country’s criminal justice system, with a strong focus on:
- Rehabilitation and Reformation: Providing educational programs and skills training to ensure inmates can reintegrate into society after serving their sentences.
- Security and Safety: Maintaining secure custody of inmates and ensuring order within prison facilities.
- Human Rights Protection: Upholding the rights and dignity of inmates in line with international standards and Ghanaian laws.
Regional Prison Statistics and Achievements
The Sekondi-Takoradi prison, constructed in 1902 by the colonial government, currently holds 612 inmates. Overall, the Western Region accommodates 1,142 inmates across various facilities.
Minister Nelson commended the prison command for effectively managing such a significant inmate population.
“These are significant challenges. I believe that you have done well,”
— Joseph Nelson
Support for Prison Service Operations
As the Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Minister Nelson pledged his unwavering support for the Prisons Service, urging collaboration among security stakeholders to combat crime in the region.
He noted the essential contribution of the Prisons Service to internal security and highlighted the need for continued excellence in inmate rehabilitation and protection.
Challenges and Training Initiatives
Deputy Director of Prisons, Abraham Allotey, briefed the Minister on the operations and challenges faced by the Service.
“We are doing our best as part of the security apparatus. I can say, so far, so good. We can’t say that everything is luxury, but we are doing our best.”
— Abraham Allotey, Deputy Director of Prisons
The Prisons Service is focused on reforming inmates through:
- Educational training programmes
- Tailoring
- Religious affairs
- Carpentry training
However, Deputy Director Allotey noted that the carpentry training programme requires modern machinery to enhance skills development among inmates.
Minister Joseph Nelson’s visit highlights the critical role of Ghana’s Prisons Service in maintaining security and rehabilitating inmates. With over 1,100 inmates in the Western Region, the dedication of prison officers remains essential to public safety and societal reintegration.
Minister Joseph Nelson’s visit highlights the critical role of Ghana’s Prisons Service in maintaining security and rehabilitating inmates. With over 1,100 inmates in the Western Region, the dedication of prison officers remains essential to public safety and societal reintegration.
Source: 3News