The Ghana Prisons Service is appealing to Ghanaians with relatives behind bars to stand by them.
Deputy Superintendent of Prison in charge of Advocacy, Communication and Gender Focal Person at Kumasi Central Prison, Rose Ampofowah Tweneboa Kodua, made the appeal during the “Inmates Love Rekindle” event.
The annual event is to revive connections between inmates and their loved ones and strengthen family bonds that may have weakened as they navigate their prison journey.
It is organized by the Gender Unit and the Inmates’ Welfare Department of the Kumasi Central Prison in February as the month of love.
“Every month of love, we bring inmates and their families and friends together to share moments. It’s a chance for families to reconnect, show support, and let the inmates know they’re still valued and loved despite their circumstances,” explained DSP Tweneboa Kodua.
In an interview with Adom News, she raised concern that many families tend to abandon their members once they are incarcerated.
She believes this abandonment is counterproductive, as the primary goal of the prison system is rehabilitation, aiming to help inmates reform and reintegrate into society after release.
“We’ve observed that many inmates are abandoned by their families, with no one checking up on them. This lack of family connection can negatively impact their mental health and reduce their likelihood of successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society when they’re released from prison.
“So the Inmates Love Rekindle event is part of the Ghana Prison Service’s Think Prison 360 Degrees Initiative, aiming to mend relationships between inmates and their families,” said DSP Tweneboa Kodua.
She urges family members to use this year’s month of love to visit their relatives who are incarcerated.
“Visit them, forgive, and help them feel valued again, it can make all the difference in their rehabilitation journey,” she admonished.
Pupils of Yonso Project Model School at Jamasi in the Sekyere South District of the Ashanti Region joined in the occasion with a donation of drinks, soaps, toilet rolls, and chocolates as part of their Red Day initiative.
Founder and Executive Director of Yonso Project Model School, Kwabena Danso, made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to change their perspective on inmates, emphasizing that not everyone in prison is a hardened criminal.
He explained that many have undergone rehabilitation and are genuinely remorseful for their actions, and as such, they deserve a second chance and forgiveness from their families and friends.
He encouraged loved ones to support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society, rather than shunning them.
Mr. Kwabena Danso noted that the schoolchildren’s donation was a valuable lesson in caring for the needy and contributing to society’s well-being.
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