Interior Minister-designate and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak, has condemned the appalling treatment of inmates in Ghanaian prisons, describing the GHC1.80 daily feeding allocation per prisoner as “dehumanising.”
Speaking during his vetting before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, Muntaka expressed shock and dismay at the meager provision for prisoner meals. He likened it to the cost of feeding pets and questioned why society subjects inmates—who are meant to be rehabilitated—to such dire conditions.
“Even feeding—I was shocked when I heard it yesterday. Today, the daily ration for a prisoner in Ghana is GHC1.80. With the greatest respect to members of this Committee and the general public, I doubt that even the cats and dogs in our homes are fed with such a meager amount,” he lamented.
The minister-designate argued that this treatment not only undermines the dignity of prisoners but also fails to achieve the intended goal of rehabilitation. He noted that such neglect creates an environment that fosters hardened criminals instead of reforming them.
Commitment to Prison Reform
Muntaka assured the Committee of his commitment to improving prison conditions if confirmed as Interior Minister. Among his proposed reforms is the prioritization of prison infrastructure to address overcrowding and ensure the proper separation of remand prisoners from convicted inmates.
“I will pay particular attention to separating remand prisoners from the main prisons—not only in Nsawam but in other prisons as well—so that those awaiting trial are not forgotten or mixed with hardened criminals,” he stated.
Justice for All Initiative
He further emphasized the need to expand and strengthen the ‘Justice for All’ program, which facilitates expedited trials for remand cases through in-prison court sessions. Collaborating with the Attorney General and the Chief Justice, Muntaka pledged to enhance this initiative to ease the burden on the justice system and reduce prison congestion.
“…Together with the Attorney General and the Chief Justice, we will explore how the ‘Justice for All’ program can be used to decongest our prisons. This will not only provide relief to those on remand but also reduce the overall pressure on the correctional system,” he explained.
Restoring Dignity to Incarceration
Muntaka concluded by stressing that a humane prison system is vital for the rehabilitation of inmates and the overall well-being of society. He pledged to work tirelessly to ensure that prisoners are treated with dignity and provided with the necessary conditions for reform.
“The goal of imprisonment should be to correct and reintegrate, not to dehumanise or harden. I will do everything within my power to restore that balance,” he assured.
His comments have since sparked widespread debate on the state of Ghana’s prison system, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
