News
‘Remand prisoners, cause of over population in prisons’
The International Prisons Chaplains Association (IPCA-Ghana), has held its seventh anniversary and general conference with a call on all to come on board to assist prison inmates.
The conference which took place in Kumasi, on Friday, November 24, was under the theme, “Telling our story: Bringing others on board.”
It drew participants from Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Guinea, while other members from Cameroon, La Cote d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, participated online.
A former Attorney General, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, who chaired the conference bemoaned the fact that many prisons in developing countries were faced with over population, a problem that is compounded by remand prisoners.
He encouraged the chaplains to make useful case studies on how they could implement effective programmes in other correctional facilities.
He said this approach would allow them to learn from one another, identify areas for improvement, and adopt strategies to better serve the diverse spiritual needs of the inmates.
He expressed the view that the conference would inspire and unite the chaplains towards providing the spiritual and other support to the inmates, so that lessons learnt through critical analysis and meaningful discussions would lead them to shape the future of chaplaincy within the Prisons system in their respective countries.
The President of IPCA, Rev Steve Mensah acknowledged the immense contributions the chaplains had made to uplift prison inmates spiritually, physically and the provision of medical and educational needs of prisoners.
He indicated that IPCA Ghana has planned to establish a Post-Conviction Youth Centre, particularly for young ex-convicts where they would stay at least for a year, strengthen their skills to enable them to earn some income before they leave to settle in society.
The International Vice President of IPCA, Rev Jean Didier Mboyo, also the Head of IPCA, UN Team, called on society to change its posture of ignoring and abandoning Prison inmates, since circumstances could send anyone to prison.
Nana Dr Appiagyei Dankawoso l, Omanhene Kyeame of the Asante Juaben Traditional Area, who was the Guest Speaker, said the conditions in the country’s prisons called for urgent support from all and sundry.
He commended IPCA for the Anti-Crime talks organised in Senior High Schools to educate students on issues which could send them to jail.
IPCA members present included, Deaconess Dr Mrs Angela Mensah, Rev Dr Evans Ekanem, Rev Atta Bilson, Mrs Gifty Mussey Azeko, Rev Nicholas Awuah- Sarpong, Rev Philip Ahodokpo and Pastor Adjei Sowah.
By Raymond Kyekye
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has accepted an apology from the Minority leader in Parliament following allegations of corruption in the recruitment process of the security services.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he indicated that the accusations were painful because they portrayed his actions in a way that suggested criminal wrongdoing.
“It is painful to be wrongly accused or for your actions to be misconstrued and labelled differently from your intention, especially when it is linked with criminality and serious wrongdoing,” he stated.
Mr Mubarak noted that although he was deeply hurt and worried by the allegations, he had decided to accept the apology wholeheartedly.
According to him, the issue should guide members of the House and public officials to focus on ensuring that the right things are done without attempting to destroy one another.
He assured the Minority that the Interior Ministry and the various security service commanders remain committed to transparency and accountability in their work.
The Minister added that the ministry would be ready to address any concerns raised by the Minority or other members of Parliament regarding recruitment into the security services.
He further appealed to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to consider expunging from the parliamentary records the false comments.
Mr Mubarak expressed appreciation to the Speaker for handling the matter and emphasised the need for cooperation among members of Parliament to ensure fairness and proper oversight.
By: Jacob Aggrey
THE Gospel Advocates (TGA), a non-denominational evangelistic Christian organisation last Saturday donated a number of educational logistics to the Dodi Asantekrom Basic School in the Eastern region of Ghana.
The gesture was to mark the seventh anniversary of the organisation made up of professionals committed to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to students in senior high schools, particularly in rural communities.
TGA also seeks to inspire students towards attaining academic excellence and guiding them towards optimising the various learning opportunities and academic programmes available at the tertiary level.
Among the items donated were 100 desks, 10 cupboards, 10 desktop computers, two laptops, 10 teachers’ tables and chairs and others.
The group also held its annual outreach programme that had a significant impact in the community through initiatives such as feeding 500 children with hot meals and assorted drinks, providing free medical screening and drugs for 500 adults and youth and conducting health education and sensitisation for both children and adults.
TGA also took upon itself to restock the community clinic with essential medicines and distributed food items, plastic bowls, cups and clothing to members of the community.
The initiative, according to officials of the group, was supported by ORSAM Limited, Doctors Save Lives Foundation, Johnson Tord Foundation, El-Shaddai Mothercare, Exceed Alliance Limited, GB Foods Ghana Limited, Qualiplast Limited, Phyto-Riker (Gihoc) Pharmaceuticals Limited, Cosa Bright Ghana, Kabs Pharmacy, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, Pill Bay Pharmacy and Bamah 3.7.7.
“We are deeply grateful for their immense support and partnership in bringing hope, relief, and practical assistance to the people of Dodi Asantekrom,” the officials said.
In a statement, the President and Chairman of The Gospel Advocates, Mr. Selom Kpikpitse, said the donation to Dodi Asantekrom forms part of TGA’s broader mission to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ among students and youth in rural communities through teachings, music and arts.
He explained that the meals provided to over 500 pupils were in line with the organization’s annual “Feed the Kidz Project,” which demonstrates Christ’s love.
Receiving the items on behalf of the school, the Headmaster, Mr. Otumfour Newton, expressed gratitude to TGA and its sponsors, saying that “the items would significantly enhance teaching and learning while improving the overall welfare and development of the pupils.”
Mr. Newton also commended the team for the free medical screenings for adults and youth in the community, and other community engagements.
Medical supplies were also donated to the Dodi Asantekrom CHPS compound and received on behalf of the facility by Mr. Amefu, a Physician Assistant.
By Spectator Reporter
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
