The Director General of the Ghana Prisons Service Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie(Esq) addressed delegates from over 193 nations representing millions of citizens including those forgotten behind bars at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly held in the United States.
The theme for this high-level debate was ” A Second Chance: addressing the global prison challenge” and was held by the President of the General Assembly to mark the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules ( the Nelson Mandela Rules).
DGP. Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq) who represented Ghana in her address, acknowledged the leadership of the UN General Assembly President and the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) in orchestrating this all important gathering and emphasized the opportunity it has created to translate discussions into concrete actions for reforming prison systems in line with international standards.
She further added that Ghana reaffirms its unwavering commitment to transforming its prison system from a punitive model to focus on corrections, care and reintegration, alligning with international standards such as the Nelson Mandela, Bankok and Tokyo rules.
The moment kept the high-level debate spotlight on Ghana was when Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq) highlighted some current achievements and underscored Ghana’s dedication to improving infrastructure, staff training, international collaboration, healthcare and agricultural mechanization despite existing challenges.
She states that, prison officers are undergoung continuous training in Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Correctional Ethics to prepare them to effectively manage the evolving correctional environment.
” Ghana has made progress in separating inmates by gender and age ( women, men, juveniles) though infrastructure limitations present ongoing challenges”. She added.
The Director General of Prisons mentioned that the Prison farms currently contribute 40% of the daily food rations for inmate. Further investment in mechanized agriculture will meet national standards and will simultaneously serve as vocational training centres equipping inmates with practical skills for successful reintegration into society.
Addressing delegates on formal and vocational education, Mrs. Patience Baffoe- Bonnie said the Ghana Prisons Service provides both academic and skills based education.
Over 700 inmates have participated in national examinations while others are persuing diplomas and degrees through distance learning. Vocational training such as carpentry, toiloring, welding and aquaculture are offered to facilitate lawful reintegration.
She explained further that Ghana is actively collaborating with UNODC to develop a toilored inmate classification tool, consistent with Mandela Rule 7 to enhance case management by ensurinf proper categorization and treatment of inmates.
Government has also renewed its support to refurbish existing prisons, construct modern facilities and establish a Prisons Industrial Hub which will focus on skills training and income generation for inmates.
DGP. Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq) stressed on her administration’s quest to improve officers and inmates welfare, digitalize case management system, expand existing structures , modernize the Prisons Service , mechanize agriculture and strategic partnerships as way of enhancing the image of the Ghana Prisons Service.
Her final words were geared towards the commitment to rehabilitation. Ghana reiterates its conviction in rehabilitation over punishment, stressing that every individual deserves the opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity and purpose.
Ghana pledges to continue collaborating with international partners to promote justice, uphold human rights and ensure that every prison sentence leads to genuine second chance.
Story by: Supt. Samuel Kofi Opoku(GPS- PRD)
