The International Prisons Chaplains Association (IPCA) Ghana, has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a commendation of the organisation for its achievements over the period.
The Director General of the Ghana Prison Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, who made the commendation in an address read on her behalf by the Director of Health and Community Service, Fofo Tackie-Otoo, said it was gratifying to note that there was a group of people who continued to devote their time, energy and resources to supporting prison work.
"IPCA is a shining example of such commitment," she said.
She said as managers of correctional facilities, "we deeply appreciate the service, commitment of chaplains and the important role that IPCA play in bringing prison chaplains together under one umbrella worldwide"
Recognition
That effort, Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie said, had received international recognition, with IPCA being granted consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2014.
“This recognition underscores the importance of prison ministry and the contribution that chaplains and their organisations can make to the welfare, rehabilitation and reintegration of persons in custody,” she said.
IPCA-Ghana’s 10th anniversary, held in Accra, was on the theme: “Breaking Chains, Building Hope – 10 years of transforming lives.”
It had IPCA members from Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Congo and Gabon, with the International Vice- President of IPCA Worldwide, Rev. Jean Didier Mboyo and IPCA Denmark Chairperson, Louise Lysholm, participating.
When IPCA Ghana was eventually launched, the Prisons Service demonstrated its support by being significantly represented at the event.
Within these past 10 years, we have observed with great delight the efforts of the leadership of IPCA Ghana and indeed its entire membership, to lend a strong hand to the work of the Ghana Prison Service. We are indeed grateful to you.
Areas
Whether in the areas of health, education, nutrition, spiritual support or general welfare, inmate welfare, Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie said IPCA Ghana had consistently demonstrated its willingness to support the service.
The impact of that support, she said, had been felt in different ways across our correctional facilities.
“We particularly appreciate the recent arrangement by IPCA Ghana for the donation of medical equipment valued at over $200,000, which will contribute to enhancing healthcare delivery to inmates.
“This is indeed a significant gesture and on behalf of the Ghana Prisons Service,” she said and expressed the service’s appreciation to IPCA Ghana and all partners who made the support possible.
Impact
The Chairman of IPCA-GH, Rev. Steve Mensah, said the organisation had made a lot of impact and was excited about it.
The members, he said, came from different churches and in their individual capacity, did a lot.
"As an entity also, we even use that synergy that we have to make a greater impact," he said and that within the 10-year period had stepped up its medical support to inmates and had arranged to deliver medical equipment valued at $200,000.
Again, Rev. Mensah said IPCA supported a lot when it came to educational issues and that the anti-crime talks, for instance, had gained a lot of momentum.
Students, he said, were educated on things that were taken for granted but could land them in jail.
Over 20 second cycle schools, Rev. Mensah said, had so far been covered and that the target was to reach out to more.
