The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure the completion of the abandoned Nsawam Remand Prison project as part of the ongoing efforts to decongest Ghana's overcrowded correctional facilities.The announcement was made during a passing-out parade for Recruit Course 125 at the Prisons Officers Training School (POTS) in Accra yesterday.In all, 408 newly trained officers comprising 220 males and 188 females duly passed out and were duly inducted into the Ghana Prisons Service.In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, at the ceremony, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka said the government would resume work on the Nsawam facility, which has remained dormant for more than eight years."We are committed to completing this vital project to improve inmate accommodation and reduce congestion in our prisons.
Our vision is to transform correctional facilities into humane, modern institutions focused not only on custody but also on rehabilitation and reintegration," he stated.Mr Terlabi highlighted the urgent need for reforms, noting that Ghana's prisons remain dangerously overcrowded, posing serious risks to both inmates and officers.He said the completion of the remand facility, along with the construction of a new, state-of-the-art prison complex, were key components of the government's strategy to address the crisis.Alhaji Muntaka further outlined the government's broader prison reform agenda, which includes raising the Prisoners' Daily Feeding Rate to GH¢5, issuing health insurance cards to inmates, expanding vocational and agricultural training programmes, and incorporating prison labour into national sanitation efforts."This is not an act of charity, it is a strategic investment in national security and human capital," he emphasised.The Minister reminded the new officers of their critical role in supporting rehabilitation efforts."You are no longer just individuals; you are now officers of a noble institution.
Serve with integrity, fairness, and compassion," Alhaji Muntaka urged.The ceremony also celebrated exceptional recruits for their outstanding performance during training.
Female Recruit Officer (FRO) 23, Hlormenu Rebecca Mawusi was named Overall Best Recruit, while Recruit Officer (RO) .140, Boakye Paul received the award for Best in Physical Training.