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 24 Hour Economy Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hunan Architectural Design Institute Group to support the planning of the Volta Economic Corridor.
The agreement aims to guide how land within the corridor will be used, design key infrastructure, and develop systems that will support large scale production.
The partnership will focus on detailed planning to make the area ready for investment and smooth business operations.
The project will include the development of agroecological parks, industrial zones, and transport networks to connect production centres to markets.
According to the Authority, proper planning is critical to building strong economic systems and expanding production across the corridor.
It noted that the collaboration with the Chinese design firm will help lay a solid foundation for industrial growth and long term development within the Volta Economic Corridor.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey, has called on judges and lawyers to carry out their duties with humility, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility.
She made the appeal during the Supreme Court at 150 celebration held at the University of Ghana, under the theme “Honouring the past, celebrating the present and defining the future.”
Addressing participants, she noted that those in the legal profession occupy positions of great power and influence, and must therefore remain humble in the discharge of their duties.
She urged both the bench and the bar to deliver justice without fear or ill will, stressing the need for fairness in handling cases.
Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, she explained that the year 1876 marks not only the establishment of the Supreme Court but also the beginning of formally trained lawyers in the Gold Coast.
The GBA President questioned what Ghana would be without the rule of law, which is upheld by judges and lawyers, adding that the country could descend into a system where only the strongest survive if justice is not properly administered.
She further encouraged legal practitioners to reflect on their responsibilities and remain committed to upholding the rule of law for the benefit of all citizens.
By: Jacob Aggrey
