The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, has expressed her firm commitment to using sports as a transformative tool to uplift the image of the service and aid in the development of both officers and inmates.
Speaking during a courtesy call by a delegation from the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie emphasised the significant role sports play in fostering physical health, mental well-being, discipline, and personal growth.
“I have been involved in sports all my life, both as a player and administrator. It has shaped me, built my confidence, and contributed to my success today. I understand the power of sports to transform lives and I’m determined to use it as a catalyst for change within the Ghana Prisons Service,” she stated.
The visit, led by GAF President Charles Osei Asibey, aimed to congratulate the Director-General on her new role and explore avenues to promote the growth of armwrestling within the service.
Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie revealed that the Directorate has already initiated discussions with relevant authorities to encourage active sports participation among both officers and inmates, highlighting its potential to unearth new talent and serve as a tool for rehabilitation.
“This initiative will form a key part of our broader transformation strategy, aimed at equipping inmates with vital skills and renewed confidence to ease their reintegration into society,” she added.
Historically, the Ghana Prisons Service has played a notable role in national sports development, having produced celebrated athletes such as Felix Aboagye, Eric Nkansah, and Mark Anthony Awere. The Director-General said she is eager to restore this legacy.
GAF President Charles Osei Asibey echoed her sentiments, describing the partnership as a strategic opportunity to revive the service’s sporting prowess and create national and continental champions.
“Sports, when strategically integrated, can enhance the image of the service, support rehabilitation efforts, and even serve as an internal revenue generator. It’s time to reverse the declining fortunes,” he said.
He congratulated Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie on her appointment and pledged the Federation’s support in establishing armwrestling clubs within the prison system.
The two institutions agreed to immediately kick off the formation and training of an armwrestling team composed of both officers and inmates. The goal is to dominate the sport locally and contribute to national representation.
In attendance at the meeting were Dr. Kofi Addo-Agyekum, Vice President of GAF; Husseini Akuetteh Addy, Technical Director; Henry Quarshie, Greater Accra Armwrestling Secretary; and Prosper Ashiquaye of the Volta Region.
Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie was also named a patron of Ghana Armwrestling, underscoring her pivotal role in advancing the sport within the security sector.
