Editorial
Prisons need support to improve wellbeing of inmates
Some people deserve to be in prison because of the crimes they committed, while others ended up there due to no fault of their own.
Regardless of the cause, prisoners endure the same conditions in jail, whether they are favourable or unfavourable.
Unlike the Netherlands which has seen a significant decrease in crime and prison population, leading to prisons being virtually empty, Ghana’s high crime rate makes the situation very different.
According to a number of reports, the jail environment is unpleasant, overcrowded, and many inmates sleep on the bare floor and sometimes sleep in shifts due to space constraints.
The issue is made worse by things like inadequate medical treatment, poor ventilation, poor feeding, and poor sanitation.
The low daily meal charge of GH¢1.80 per prisoner in Ghana has drawn criticism for a number of reasons, and calls have been made to raise it.
This is disturbing because crime is increasing in Ghana, particularly among the country’s future leaders, the youth population.
Since the number of inmates has increased to 14, 097 compared to the country’s capacity of 9,945, the prison system does in fact need reform and assistance.
The Spectator wholeheartedly concurs with Rev. Mathew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Catholic Bishop Conference, who has urged the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) administration, particularly prison wardens, to be kind and loving to prisoners.
He said inmates should be treated with some human dignity rather than mistreated because “a jail sentence should be viewed as a tool for reform rather than as a kind of punishment.”
Ensuring the secure custody, welfare, reformation, and rehabilitation of prisoners is a constitutional obligation for the GPS.
The Prison Agriculture Project, which aims to alleviate the feeding challenges in Ghana’s prisons, is a commendable endeavour.
In order to improve their welfare and rehabilitation, the majority of inmates have participated in educational programmes and skill-building training under the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP). Some of them have even enrolled in tertiary institutions.
However, the government must step up its efforts to ensure that inmates are well-maintained.
To help former inmates reintegrate into society and lead better lives, more work needs to be done to make sure they are prepared when they are released from jail.
A variety of organisations, including religious bodies, NGOs, and philanthropists, have been providing food, clothing, and toiletries to show their affection for prison inmates.
In an effort to reduce the number of inmates in the nation’s prisons, the Spectator completely agrees with the president of the Catholic Bishop Conference that those who commit minor offenses need to be forced to perform community service rather than go to jail.
In fact, actions must be taken to enhance prison conditions in order to protect prisoners’ dignity and advance their welfare.
Food safety is essential because it protects public health by preventing foodborne illnesses, which affect millions of people globally.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that foodborne illness should never occur since it is always preventable.
According to WHO, despite being mostly preventable, foodborne infections continue to be a significant global burden, accounting for at least 200 ailments that have an impact on health, livelihoods, education, and economies.
Estimates from the United Nations (UN), indicate that contaminated food is a serious global public health concern that results in 1.5 million fatalities and 866 million illnesses annually.
World Food Safety Day (WFSD) is celebrated annually on June 7. It was created by the UN and emphasises how governments, food producers, and consumers all have a part to play in avoiding, identifying, and controlling foodborne hazards.
This year’s theme for WFSD, “From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere,” emphasises how information on sickness, its burden, and lost lives can direct action toward targeted and affordable solutions.
People eat food from a variety of places, including their homes, markets, restaurants, roadside eateries, schools and office canteens. A combination of foods may occasionally have an impact on some individuals but not others. It is said that “one man’s meat is another man’s poison.”
Many have experienced severe health issues as a result of eating contaminated food without realising it. In some situations, this has resulted in food poisoning, and in other circumstances, it has caused fatalities.
These risks could be biological in nature, where foodborne illnesses are caused by living microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Also, cleaning products, herbicides, hazardous metals, and food additives can occasionally contaminate food.
Foreign materials including glass, metal pieces, plastic, hair, or bandages have occasionally been unintentionally put to food and caused damage.
In sensitive people, proteins including wheat, dairy, shellfish, and peanuts can potentially trigger severe allergic reactions.
The Spectator hopes that raising public awareness of the importance of adhering to fundamental food safety regulations, such as washing hands, sanitising surfaces, separating raw and cooked foods, and practising excellent personal hygiene, is crucial during this rainy season.
Food handling should also be done carefully, whether it is for regular meals at home or for a big gathering or event.
According to food science experts, contamination can be avoided by heating food to the right internal temperature and refrigerating perishable items. Accurately labelling and storing chemicals away from food is a crucial step in preventing food contamination.
To guarantee that individuals eat a safety-free diet, government must improve food control systems, surveillance networks, and public health regulations.
Tomorrow is Father’s Day, a day to honour fathers, for the roles they play in the family and society.
Every third Sunday in June, the world celebrates Father’s Day to show gratitude for the crucial role fathers and father-figures play in influencing people’s lives.
In the same way that mothers are honoured on Mother’s Day, fathers are also honoured in different ways by their children, grandchildren, and stepchildren, among others, for being a great father in their lives.
It is a common misconception that Father’s Day is not as well-known as Mother’s Day, but fathers are doing a fantastic job. Fathers, like mothers, both play equal and complementary roles in providing for a family and maintaining a home.
Many homes would have been destroyed, children would have strayed, and families would have fallen apart if it were not for a father’s love, care, protection, guidance, counselling, and provision.
Many fathers give their children emotional support and develop their inner-growth. Others lead exemplary lives for their children, showing them love, nurturing, providing excellent communication, discipline, guidance, and shelter.
Fathers put in a lot of effort to support their families, spend time with their children and some even go so far as to assist with housework.
Regardless of the circumstances, fathers should be honoured and celebrated for their steadfast support of their families, communities, and the country at large. It is a tremendous honour for society to acknowledge the essential roles that fathers play in community building, child development, and family stability.
Respecting positive male role models promotes active, involved parenting, which has significant effects on children’s social conduct, academic performance, and emotional health.
Some widowers have shown what it means to be a father because they take on dual responsibilities in helping their children develop into responsible adults. The Spectator applauds single fathers that fall into this group! Your efforts will never be in vain.
Although some fathers work in low-paying occupations, they are nonetheless able to support their children through higher education.
As the world celebrates fathers tomorrow The Spectator is calling on everyone to honour fathers or father-figures for their sacrifices and support in various ways. Take your father out to lunch or dinner, buy him presents, write encouraging notes, spend time with him, and make sure he has the best possible day.
We wish all fathers a Happy Father’s Day. Ayekoo!
