The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has pledged urgent reforms to improve conditions in Ghana’s prisons following a working visit to the Kumasi Central Prisons.
Describing the current state of affairs as “deeply unacceptable,” the Minister expressed shock at the quality and quantity of food served to inmates, as well as the general management of resources within the facility.
“I couldn’t imagine how the food was going to look like until I saw it. It was heartbreaking. I’m told this is supposed to feed 4,557 inmates — food that would barely satisfy 20 people in our homes. That is not right,” he said.
Alhaji Muntaka criticized the lack of proper oversight and pledged to engage directly with the President to push for immediate improvements in prison welfare.
He indicated that he would make a strong recommendation to review the eligibility criteria for prison staff and ensure that only qualified and compassionate personnel manage correctional facilities.
“I promise to give this my best. This is not just a duty it’s personal. We need to reform the system and treat inmates with the dignity they deserve,” he stated.
The Minister also hinted at plans to strengthen the governing council overseeing prison management and called for independent monitoring to ensure accountability.
“This is a promise I’ve made not just to myself but to the people. We must do better. The current state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue,” he affirmed.
The visit forms part of the Ministry’s broader initiative to assess conditions across correctional institutions nationwide and implement sustainable reforms aimed at humanizing the prison system.
Source : www.kumasimail.com
