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Support feeding of prisoners – officers appeal to public
• ASP Kpiriko (left) receiving the items from NCO Bakuri (right) on behalf of the service
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana Prison Service in the Upper West Region, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) Joseph Kpiriko has appealed to non-governmental organisations and other benevolent bodies to support the feeding of inmates at the prison.
He mentioned that the daily cost of feeding inmates which was pegged at GH₵1.80 per head was woefully inadequate to provide quality and nutritious meals for the inmates and called on the public to assist government take care of the convicts.
The PRO stated this when the Narcotics Control Commission (NARCOC) in the region donated assorted medical drugs to the Wa Central Prison to enable it stock its infirmary and sufficiently treat patients.
The drugs mobilised by the Commission from various pharmaceutical companies comprised 4,800 tablets of Ibudol plus, 150 tablets of albendazole USP 400, 600 tablets of Lufart Forte, and 60 tablets of Tininadazole 500 for treating malaria, general body pains and other first aid needs.
ASP Kpiriko explained that although there had not been a day that the inmates had gone without food, the quantity of meals served was not adequate but could be improved if they received food donations and other welfare needs.
He described the gesture by the NARCOC as ‘heaven-sent’ and timely and made a call to the public for donation of more drugs to the prison.
He stated that prior to the donation, the infirmary at the prison could barely treat sick inmates due to the shortage of essential drugs and said although some of the inmates had skin infections that needed attention, there were not enough drugs to treat them.
“We have an infirmary and three trained nurses who are officers so we are able to handle some of the ailments and also admit sick inmates temporarily, however, if the patient requires further medical attention, we take them to a general hospital”, he said.
Narcotic Control Officer (NCO) Issahaque Bakuri for his part said that the donation was to meet an earlier request by inmates for drugs to stock their infirmary as according to them, there were no drugs to treat common sicknesses.
He said that a greater number of the inmates were youth and needed sympathy, love and support from the public to make them feel at home and have the urge to turn over a new leaf.
NCO Bakuri said that NARCOC was working harder to mobilise more drugs and mattresses for the inmates.
The officer disclosed that aside the donation, the commission as part of its mandate provided regular counselling services to inmates with narcotic drug addiction to help them break the addiction.
From Lydia Darlington Fordjour, Wa
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting civilians was attacked in Binduri in the Upper East Region, leaving three people dead.
In a press release issued on April 27, 2026, the military said the convoy, which was escorting about 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga, came under gunfire from unknown attackers.
It said the attackers shot at the convoy several times, killing three of the civilians being escorted and injuring one other person.
According to the statement, soldiers returned fire and were able to repel the attack. In the process, seven of the assailants were killed.
The military added that during a follow-up operation, weapons and ammunition were retrieved from a suspect who had taken refuge in a mosque.
The items included a G3 rifle, two loaded magazines, and additional rounds of ammunition.
It said ten other suspects have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.
The Ghana Armed Forces cautioned the public against engaging the military or any security agency during operations.
It extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.
By: Jacob Aggrey
