President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to introduce a parole system as part of his administration’s wide-ranging prison reforms aimed at improving conditions in Ghana’s correctional facilities and promoting the humane treatment of inmates.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Damongo Prison Camp in the Savannah Region, President Mahama said the new parole system will serve as an incentive for good behaviour among inmates and help fast-track their reintegration into society after serving part of their sentences.
He explained that the government’s reform agenda is anchored on the belief that every Ghanaian, regardless of their circumstances, deserves dignity and a second chance.
“Our administration’s prison reform agenda rests on a fundamental belief that no Ghanaian should be stripped of their humanity even when they are in prison,” the President said.
According to him, the reforms will include expanding the use of alternative sentencing for minor and non-violent offences and reviewing bail conditions to prevent undue hardship, especially for the poor. He added that the government is determined to complete the 800-inmate capacity remand prison at Nsawam, which was initiated by his previous administration in 2016 but has since been left abandoned.
“We are therefore implementing far-reaching reforms which include, among others, expanding the use of alternative sentencing for minor and non-violent offences. Reviewing bill conditions to avoid undue hardship, especially for the poor. Introducing a parole system to reward good behaviour and accelerate reintegration.”
“This initiative will not only generate income to sustain the service but also equip inmates with the practical skills they need for life after their release,” he noted.
In the area of agriculture, President Mahama said the Prison Service is being supported to venture into large-scale farming, including poultry and vegetable production.
He added that the government is providing fertilisers and mechanised equipment to enhance productivity over the next three years.
