By Leo Nelson
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a series of interventions aimed at improving the welfare of inmates at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, including plans to increase the prison feeding grant, grant amnesty to selected inmates, and support the construction of a fully equipped hospital for the facility.
The President made the announcements during a visit to the prison, where the Men’s Ministry of Ringway Gospel Centre Assemblies of God donated assorted food items to inmates. The visit formed part of efforts to support inmates and draw attention to conditions within Ghana’s correctional facilities.
Addressing prison officers and inmates, President Mahama acknowledged the challenges associated with the current prison feeding allocation and assured that government intends to increase the amount in the next national budget.
He noted that the existing GH₵5 feeding grant per inmate has become inadequate due to rising food prices and the increasing operational demands on prison authorities.
According to the President, government is committed to improving the welfare of inmates across the country and ensuring that correctional institutions are better resourced to meet basic needs.
President Mahama stressed that improving nutrition within prisons is necessary not only for health reasons but also for preserving the dignity of inmates. He explained that while inmates are serving sentences, they remain citizens entitled to humane treatment under the law.
Lordina Mahama Supports Hospital Initiative
The President also disclosed that former First Lady Lordina Mahama has pledged to build a fully equipped hospital for the Nsawam Prison. According to him, the proposed health facility is expected to improve healthcare delivery for inmates and prison officers, many of whom currently face challenges accessing timely medical treatment.
He said the hospital project reflects growing recognition of the healthcare difficulties confronting prison facilities across the country. President Mahama noted that many prison inmates often require urgent medical care under difficult conditions, making the establishment of an on-site health facility essential.
The hospital, he explained, would help reduce pressure on external hospitals while improving emergency response and routine healthcare services within the prison.
Amnesty for 1,000 Inmates
In another major announcement, the President revealed plans to grant amnesty to 1,000 prison inmates during this year’s Republic Day celebrations on July 1, 2026. The planned amnesty exercise forms part of broader efforts to support rehabilitation and reintegration within the prison system.
While the President did not immediately outline the categories of inmates expected to benefit, the announcement was met with excitement among many prisoners during the visit.
President Mahama stressed that the justice system should not only punish wrongdoing but also create opportunities for reform and reintegration into society. He noted that individuals who demonstrate good conduct and rehabilitation should be given the chance to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
Welfare Challenges in Ghana’s Prisons
The President’s visit comes amid continuing public discussions about conditions within Ghana’s prisons, including overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and insufficient welfare support.
Prison authorities and advocacy groups have over the years highlighted challenges linked to feeding, sanitation, infrastructure, and medical care within correctional centres.
President Mahama acknowledged these concerns and assured that government remains committed to pursuing reforms aimed at improving conditions for inmates and prison officers alike.
According to him, prison reforms must focus not only on infrastructure but also on ensuring humane conditions that support rehabilitation. He stressed that correctional facilities should prepare inmates to return to society as responsible and productive citizens.
Religious Groups Support Inmates
The visit also highlighted the contribution of religious organisations to inmate welfare. The Men’s Ministry of Ringway Gospel Centre donated bulk assorted food items to support inmates at the Nsawam Prison, an act President Mahama commended during the programme.
He praised the church group for demonstrating compassion and solidarity with vulnerable members of society, including prison inmates. The President encouraged more faith-based organisations, businesses, and civil society groups to support correctional facilities through donations and welfare programmes.
According to him, partnerships between government and private organisations are essential in improving conditions within prisons.
Commitment to Prison Reforms
President Mahama reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening correctional institutions and improving the overall welfare of inmates. He explained that ensuring humane conditions within prisons is part of a broader national responsibility to uphold justice, dignity, and human rights.
The President expressed confidence that the proposed increase in feeding grants, the planned hospital project, and the amnesty initiative would contribute positively toward improving inmate welfare and prison management.
He further indicated that government would continue engaging prison authorities and other stakeholders to identify practical ways of addressing challenges within the correctional system.