ACCRA – The Vice President today signaled a radical shift in Ghana’s correctional philosophy, announcing a massive budget increase for inmate welfare alongside the commissioning of a new generation of officers tasked with delivering humanitarian and industrial reform.
Serving as the Reviewing Officer for the Graduation Parade of Officer Cadet Course Intake 32 at the Prisons Officers Training School, the Vice President, joined by Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, declared the government’s renewed commitment to turning prisons into institutions that contribute to national development.
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💰 Feeding Allocation Trebled: Dignity for All
In a move that addresses long-standing welfare concerns, the Vice President confirmed a significant policy decision: the daily feeding allocation for inmates has been increased from GH₵1.80 to GH₵5.00—a jump of nearly 177%.
“This is a necessary step because every Ghanaian, regardless of circumstances, must be treated with dignity,” the Vice President stated, underscoring the government’s determination to review and improve conditions across all facilities.
The address also highlighted President John Dramani Mahama’s recent amnesty for 998 inmates, which the Vice President described as a demonstration of the President’s “belief in second chances and the urgent need to decongest our prisons to allow for proper rehabilitation.”
💡 Think 360 Degrees Initiative: From Detention to Development
The centerpiece of the Vice President’s speech was the launch of the Think 360 Degrees Prisons Initiative, a core element of the President’s reset agenda for the sector. This initiative moves beyond traditional detention, recognizing that true correctional reform must combine humanitarian and developmental objectives.
The key focuses of the initiative include:
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Welfare Prioritization: Improving the welfare of both officers and inmates.
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Agricultural Mechanization: Scaling up prison farming operations to promote self-sufficiency and food security.
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Vocational and Industrial Programs: Establishing facilities that generate revenue, create sustainable jobs, and equip inmates with skills necessary for successful reintegration into society.
The Vice President commended the Director-General of Prisons, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, for her “exemplary leadership and professionalism,” which she noted are helping to shape a modern, forward-looking Prisons Service.
Charging the new Officer Cadet Intake 32 to serve with integrity and discipline, the Vice President officially declared the commissioning of the class into the senior corps of the Ghana Prisons Service, marking a new era of professionalism and purpose within the correctional system.
HERE IS THE FULL STATEMENT MADE BY THE VEEP
Today, at the Prisons Officers Training School, I served as the Reviewing Officer for the Graduation Parade of Officer Cadet Course Intake 32. I was joined by the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, and we were hosted by the Director-General of Prisons, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, together with the leadership of the Ghana Prisons Service.
The commissioning of a new generation of officer cadets affirms our commitment to strengthening the Prisons Service. Government is determined for the Service to have the right personnel and resources to carry out its mandate. This is reflected in recent policy decisions, including an increase in the feeding allocation for inmates from GH₵1.80 to GH₵5.00, a necessary step because every Ghanaian, regardless of circumstances, must be treated with dignity. Government will continue to review conditions and standards across our facilities.
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s recent amnesty for 998 inmates further demonstrates his belief in second chances and the urgent need to decongest our prisons to allow for proper rehabilitation. I also highlighted Government’s broader agenda to improve infrastructure, retool facilities, and strengthen capacity building across the Service.
As part of the President’s reset agenda, the Service launched the Think 360 Degrees Prisons Initiative, which recognizes that true correctional reform must combine humanitarian and developmental objectives. This includes prioritizing officer and inmate welfare, agricultural mechanization, vocational and industrial programs, and highlighting prison facilities as contributors to national development. The goal is to create sustainable jobs, generate revenue, and ensure inmates are reintegrated into society. Contributions to the Service’s fundraising efforts are encouraged, because every contribution can significantly transform lives.
I commended the Director-General for her exemplary leadership and professionalism, which are helping to shape a modern, forward-looking Prisons Service. I also applauded the Prisons Regimental Band for their outstanding display during the parade. I charged the graduating officer cadets to serve with integrity, discipline, and hard work. Thank you, as well, to the instructors who ensured high standards at the parade.
I officially declared the commissioning of Officer Cadet Intake 32 into the senior corps of the Ghana Prisons Service. Congratulations to all outstanding graduates and to every cadet who successfully completed the course.
