The Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s prison system, with renewed emphasis on infrastructure development, staff welfare, and private sector collaboration.
He highlighted the government’s efforts to address long-standing accommodation challenges across the security services, noting that initiatives currently being championed are expected to improve the living and working conditions of officers, including those in the Ghana Prisons Service.
He made these remarks when the Ghana Prisons Council, led by its Chair, Apostle Alexander Kumi Larbi, paid a courtesy call on him on Wednesday, in Accra, to discuss critical issues affecting the Service and explore avenues for stronger collaboration.
The Minister described prisons as a critical pillar of national security and governance, assuring stakeholders that ongoing reforms remain a priority for the administration.
He also underscored the importance of salary harmonisation as part of broader measures to boost morale and efficiency.
The Minister further revealed that the Ministry would explore Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a sustainable strategy to modernise and strengthen prison facilities nationwide because engaging private organisations would help bridge resource gaps and improve infrastructure and service delivery.
He also noted progress on related legislative efforts, including the Parole and Community Service Bill.
The Chair of the Ghana Prisons Council, Apostle Alexander Kumi Larbi, briefed the Minister on operational challenges facing the Service, including transportation constraints due to inadequate logistics and limited infrastructure.
While commending the government for supplying the Ghana Prisons Service with vehicles such as pickups, buses, and a command vehicle over the past year, he appealed for additional support to ease persistent operational pressures.
Apostle Kumi Larbi also reiterated the Council’s commitment to evidence-based oversight and closer collaboration with the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service to ensure the effective execution of its mandate.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
