History was made on Saturday, 25th April, 2026, at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison when the President John Dramani Mahama joined the Men’s Ministry of the Assemblies of God Church for a fellowship with inmates.
The service featured worship and ministration led by the Men’s Ministry, offering encouragement and spiritual support to the inmates.
Delivering a sermon, the Head Pastor of Ringway Gospel Centre, Assemblies of God, Rev. Benjamin Tettey, urged inmates not to lose hope despite their circumstances but to embrace repentance, reform, and faith in Jesus Christ for strength and renewal.
The Director-General of Prisons, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq.), commended President Mahama for increasing the inmates feeding rate from GHC 1.80 to GHC 5.00.
She, however, appealed for additional support in addressing healthcare challenges, particularly the high cost of treatment and logistics involved in referrals to major hospitals.
In his address, President John Dramani Mahama referenced Matthew 25:36 from the Holy Bible, emphasizing compassion and care for prisoners.
He announced plans to expedite parole processes, revealing that at least 1,000 inmates are expected to be released in July through amnesty.
The President also pledged to improve sporting facilities by providing an astro turf pitch and a basketball court. In response to healthcare concerns, he assured that he would collaborate with the foundation of his wife, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, to explore the construction of hospital facilities for prisons.
During the visit, the President toured ongoing projects, including a 5,000-layer poultry facility and an 800-capacity remand prison aimed at reducing congestion.
He further assured management of his commitment to completing the remand prison project promptly.
Some inmates who spoke at the event commended the President for his second visit and appealed for the inclusion of prison education in the national scholarship scheme and school feeding programme.
The President and his team also donated assorted items, including 250 bags of rice, 50 bags of maize, 50 bags of gari, 50 bags of sugar, 30 gallons of cooking oil, 50 cartons of tomato paste, 50 cartons of spaghetti, and 50 boxes of sardines, among others, to support inmates welfare.
From GPS/Gifty Boateng