The Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has acknowledged the significant responsibility borne by prison officers to reform inmates and maintain tight security across the country’s prisons.
He stressed that the challenges inherent in this role should not be taken lightly, given the gravity of crimes committed by inmates.
Minister Nelson emphasized the importance of the Prisons Service maintaining high standards during his visit to security installations in the region.
He urged officers to prioritize protecting inmates’ lives, reforming them, and safeguarding Ghanaian society from security threats.
The Prisons Service plays a vital role in Ghana’s criminal justice system, contributing to internal security through humane and secure penal reform.
The Service’s key objectives include the rehabilitation and reformation, the Security and Safety, and the Human Rights.
As Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), he pledged his unwavering commitment to supporting the Service Command’s efforts, while also emphasizing the importance of collaboration with all key stakeholders with the Security architecture to combat crime in the region.
He lauded the Command for being able to handle over one thousand prisoners in the region currently under their control.
The Sekondi-Takoradi Central Prison, established in 1902 during the colonial era, currently has Six hundred and twelve (612) inmates. Meanwhile, the Western Region’s prison population stands at one thousand, one hundred forty two (1,142) inmates, as reported by the prison authorities.
Author: Dorothy Donkor
