E/R: The Health Conditions of Koforidua Prison Inmates at Risk Due to Congestion

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Koforidua Prisons in the Eastern region of Ghana, ASP Ezekiel Kolotey, has disclosed that the Prison in its current state is challenged with infrastructure issues resorting to congestion in the cells and inadequate office space for Officers in charge of the Prisoners.


Expressing fear of any possible outbreak of disease in the cell due to congestion , ASP Ezekiel Kolotey said the present office space for the Prison staff is not spacious enough whereas the inmates cells is now congested since the number of inmates have significantly increased to over 600.

He said " currently our number is increasing and is more than 600 now exceeding the number that we are suppose to take in the prison here"

" This is affecting their sleep, and the quantity of food we serve them since government pays only Ghc 1. 80 pesewas per prisoner as their breakfast , lunch and supper every day"

"Congestion is another major challenge because we are now doing 50 prisoners per cell instead of 20 per each cell due to the increase in the number of inmates recorded in recent times" he added.




ASP Ezekiel Kolotey also noted that there are serious roof leakages in some of the cells where the inmates are housed thereby exposing the inmate to direct rainfall anytime it rains.



He clarified by saying "anytime it rains the prisoners have to stand till it stops raining because there are serious leakages in some of the roofs in the cells which at times makes them stay awake in the night just because all the rooms get wet"



He therefore appealed to individuals, philanthropist, NGOs and government to come to the aid of Koforidua Prisons with infrastructure and reroofing of the inmate cells to address the situation.


ASP Ezekiel Kolotey made the disclosure at the time the Koforidua branch of Church of Christ- Old Estate made a donation of foodstuffs such as rice, gari , corn ,sugar , bread, in addition with footwear , clothes , sachet and bottle water to the Koforidua Prison inmates.



Deacon Emmanuel Annor accompanied by some members of the church handed over the items to the Prison Leadership and further fellowshipped with the inmates.

And on behalf of Church of Christ Koforidua Old Estate, Deacon Emmanuel Annor entreated the inmates to still keep hope alive and trust in the Lord that God has greater things ahead for them when they finish serving their terms in prison.

Deacon Emmanuel Annor further called on christians to occasionally extend support to prisoners since the Bible teaches and encourages all christians to provide support for those who for any reason found themselves in prison.

He finally advised the youth to abstain from acts that will end them in prison but rather live a christ like life.

Credit: Ansah Stephen