Dozens of people gathered in Accra to witness the the delivery of essential medical equipment to five prison stations in Ghana. This equipment will greatly assist the medical and nursing staff in meeting prisoners’ urgent healthcare needs.
Vital equipment
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS), has procured vital medical equipment as part of a three-year prison project focused on strengthening the compliance of the GPS with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (also known as the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’).
Given the challenges faced by the GPS in meeting these standards, UNODC is actively engaged in supporting the service in various areas. This includes enhancing capacity of prison staff, improving facilities, providing healthcare services, and enhancing rehabilitation pathways. By addressing these areas, the project aims to benefit not only prisoners but also the whole of Ghanaian society, ultimately contributing to making it a safer nation.
At the handover ceremony, the Minister of Interior of Ghana, Ambrose Dery, emphasized the importance of working in partnership:
‘The collaboration between UNODC and the Ghana Prisons Service exemplifies the commitment to enhance the quality of healthcare in prisons, ensuring that prisoners receive the same level of care as those in the outside community.’
Training
Alongside this logistical support, UNODC has organized a series of week-long training workshops in 2023. These workshops were specifically designed for trainers, with the aim of equipping officers from every prison in Ghana with the necessary skills and knowledge in health promotion, disease prevention, drug treatment, and mental health.
‘By providing vital medical equipment to prisons, we are upholding the right to healthcare for all individuals, even those incarcerated, and working towards a more compassionate and just society’, noted Mr. Isaac Egyir, Director-General of Prisons of Ghana.
The wider picture
This three-year project incorporated a broader set of objectives aimed at enhancing overall standards and practices within the Ghanaian prison system. These objectives included a comprehensive training program on the Nelson Mandela Rules which focused on both understanding the details of the rules and implementing them effectively. This training also entailed a revised approach to the classification of prisoners.
In addition, the project provided support for the infrastructure improvements required to facilitate its implementation. A thorough assessment of the current state of prisons was conducted, leading to the development of sustainable prison-based rehabilitation programmes.
The impact of UNODC's involvement has been recognized by Superintendent Adamu Latif Abdul of Ghana's Prison Service. He acknowledged personal growth in his knowledge, professional outlook, and approach to work as a result of UNODC's support. Moreover, he highlighted:
‘UNODC’s efforts are helping to bring the Ghanaian prison system up to the level where we can compare ourselves to other advanced jurisdictions in terms of best practices.
Superintendent Adamu Latif Abdul, Ghana’s Prison Service
While meaningful achievements have been made to date, it is important to recognize that
there are persistent challenges that require a coordinated approach and collective action. Acknowledging these challenges, UNODC and its project partners remain dedicated to ensuring continued success, and to bringing positive change to the Ghanaian prison system.
Planning for the future
The Project Steering Committee (PSC) members convened on 31 January 2024 to assess the progress made and plan for the future. During the meeting, the committee members acknowledged that the accomplishments thus far have laid solid foundations for continued advancement. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a collaborative approach to address the upcoming challenges effectively. The 2024 work plan which was supported by the PSC members will serve as a roadmap to guide joint efforts and maximize our impact.
Thank you
We are very grateful to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in the State Department of the United States of America for their generous support as our donor. We also extend our appreciation to the Ghana Prisons Service and the civil society organizations for their strategic partnership, which has been instrumental in the successful implementation of this project. Together, we are making a significant impact on the prison system in Ghana, improving conditions, and positively transforming the lives of prisoners and the Ghanaian community.
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