The Human Rights Committee of Parliament has declared its commitment to urgent intervention amid alarming levels of overcrowding at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
The facility, originally designed six decades ago to hold just 717 inmates, is now bulging with nearly five times its intended capacity.
During a recent inspection led by Committee Chairman Ernest Yaw Anim, members witnessed firsthand the dire conditions inside the prison walls.
The male section, built in 1960, currently houses 3,548 prisoners a staggering figure that has raised serious concerns about human rights, health, and safety standards.
Chairman Anim expressed deep concern, stating, “What we have seen here is a situation that demands immediate attention. This facility was constructed to accommodate only 717 people, yet today it holds almost 3,550 inmates. This is clearly unsustainable and poses a serious challenge to the welfare of both inmates and staff.”
Anim assured that the Committee would prioritize the decongestion of Nsawam Prison in its advocacy and policy recommendations to Parliament.
“We will bring this issue to the forefront of parliamentary discourse and ensure that necessary actions are taken to resolve this overcrowding as soon as possible,” he emphasized.
He also highlighted the Committee’s broader engagement with human rights issues, referencing recent participation in the 83rd session of the African Human and People’s Rights in Banjoo.
“Ghana is determined to ensure that, by the next review cycle, we make significant progress in addressing prison conditions and the treatment of inmates,” Anim stated.
“We are also planning additional advocacy projects to further improve the state of our correctional facilities,” he added.
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
