The Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has presented three buses to the Ghana Prisons Service to improve the transportation of inmates to courts, medical facilities, and rehabilitation programmes.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony on Friday in Accra, the Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the correctional system, promoting rehabilitation across prisons, and retooling all security agencies.
He noted that the vehicles would greatly enhance the Service’s efforts to improve officer and inmate welfare by ensuring the secure and timely transport of inmates to courts, medical facilities, and rehabilitation centres.
“These buses are more than just a means of transport. They are instruments of efficiency, safety, and dignity,” he stated.
He urged the Prison Administration to utilise the buses efficiently and effectively.
Mr Muntaka also announced a significant increase in the daily feeding allocation for inmates, from GHS 1.80 to GHS 5.00, aimed at providing more nutritious meals for over 14,000 inmates nationwide.
“While I had hoped for an even greater increment, this marks a long-overdue departure from a rate that had been stagnant for far too long,” the Minister noted.
The Minister thanked the National Security Secretariat and Maripoma Company Limited for their support. He also called on companies, institutions, and individuals worldwide to support the Ghana Prisons Service, whether through donations of equipment, training, infrastructure, or small acts of generosity.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq.), expressed profound gratitude, describing the donation as an investment in human dignity and stating that it would enhance the Service’s efforts to rehabilitate inmates and promote their welfare.
She thanked the Minister for his dedication and unwavering support since assuming office.
“Mr Muntaka has proven to be a true advocate and champion of the Ghana Prisons Service, giving us the confidence and stability to stand on our feet,” she said.
The donation included one Toyota Coaster, one Hyundai County, and one Ashok Leyland bus, provided by Maripoma Company Limited and the National Security Secretariat.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
