The Auditor-General has flagged Ghana’s daily prison feeding grant of GH₵1.80 as a major threat to the welfare of inmates, citing its inadequacy in meeting nutritional needs.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, Interior Minister Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak admitted the challenges and said urgent measures are being taken to address them.
He confirmed that President John Mahama has directed an increase in the feeding grant from GH₵1.80 to GH₵5.00 per inmate, a move the minister described as “a good start” in tackling the persistent food shortages.
Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service noted that improper feeding has a ripple effect on the health of inmates and contributes to unrest in prisons.
“Once the feeding regime is wrong, it affects the health of prisoners. Inmates have rioted in the past because of insufficient food, which shows the need to prioritize their welfare,” he said.
Alhaji Muntaka emphasized the urgency of implementing the new rate, saying, “We need something now as we await the GH₵5.00 feeding grant to take effect.”
The Interior Minister further highlighted progress in prison decongestion, revealing that overcrowding has reduced from 36% to 34% after President Mahama granted amnesty to over 900 inmates.
Authorities say the increment, alongside decongestion measures, is expected to ease pressure on prison facilities and improve conditions for inmates across the country.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
