African Commission On Human Rights Commends Ghana’s Prison Education System

A delegation from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has commended Ghana’s prison education system, which enables inmates to pursue academic and vocational training while serving their sentences.

The delegation, led by Hon. Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, Commissioner responsible for the promotion of human rights in Ghana, and Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, made these remarks during a courtesy call on the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, at his office in Accra, to discuss critical issues concerning the country’s prison system, including overcrowding, feeding challenges, and alternative sentencing measures.

The delegation was particularly interested in learning about the country’s efforts to address overcrowding in prisons and improve the feeding situation for inmates.

Regarding feeding, the Minister informed them of significant improvements, stating that Government has increased the daily feeding grant for prisoners from GHS 1.80 to GHS 5, as directed by the President. Additionally, he highlighted a collaboration between the Ghana Prisons Service and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture under the Feed Ghana project to supplement efforts in addressing feeding challenges.

Hon. Muntaka assured the delegation that Government is actively addressing the overcrowding challenge through the development of a Community Sentencing Bill. The proposed legislation aims to introduce alternative sentencing options, such as community service, to reduce prison populations.

The delegation commended Government’s efforts and expressed optimism about the proposed reforms.

The Minister thanked the delegation for their visit and emphasized Government’s commitment to improving prison conditions and promoting the welfare of inmates.

 

The delegation composed of Hon. Commissioner Hatem Essaiem, Chairperson of the Committee on the Prevention of Torture in Africa, and Hon. Commissioner Maria Teresa Manuela, Special Rapporteur on Prisons, Conditions of Detention and Policing in Africa.