Fury in prisons over diversion of donations
Some prison officers divert food items and other donations meant for inmates at various prisons in the country.
Advertisement
These officers carry away items donated by individuals and organisations for distribution to the inmates of the prisons,
In an effort to stop the practice, the Prisons Service Council has sent warning letters to all Prison installations to check these abuses, vowing to drastically deal with those caught engaging in the practice.
The Chairman of the Prisons Council, Rev. Dr. Stephen Wengam, who revealed this in Accra Tuesday, said the practice followed public complaints received by the council.
He made the observations during a donation to the Prisons Service and other orphanages by the morning show host of Vision One FM, Nana Yaw Sarfoh, in commemoration of his 10th anniversary celebration as a broadcast journalist.
The items included gallons of cooking oil, detergents, toiletries, provisions, cosmetics, over 200 pieces of cloth, shoes, slippers, bags of wrist watches, loafs of bread, cartons of drinks, plastic buckets, chairs, noodles, bags of maize, rice and sachet water, among others.
Rev. Wengam observed that “There are few elements in the Prisons Service who divert items meant for inmates and I have sent a warning letter to all our prison installations to stop the practice .
He did not say how widespread the diversions are, but stated that it is not a hidden secret”.
He revealed that bringing an end to such practices, would motivate people to support the inmates of the prisons.
Dr Wengam therefore, appealed to individuals and organisations to rather donate to the Council to ensure that the items were put to good use.
He added that to give credence to its mark of accountability, the council presented a 200-page audited account to the people of Ghana at a press conference in Accra last week, adding that “ We go round to ensure the items are used for their intended purposes.
On his part, Nana Yaw Sarfoh, expressed appreciation to the listeners of Vision One FM at St John's Grammar, near Dome, for donating the items within a short time to help change lives.
He said some of the items would be sent to the Weija Leprosarium, Afram Children's Home, Nsawam Medium Prisons among others.
credit: Ghanaian Times newspaper
