The Officer-in-Charge of the Female Section of the Sunyani Central Prisons, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) Rosemary Ambadrie, has urged families of inmates to take a greater interest in the welfare of their loved ones by visiting them regularly and offering support.
She explained that consistent family involvement complements government efforts and plays a vital role in the reformation and reintegration of inmates into society. ASP Ambadrie cautioned the public against abandoning prisoners, noting that some are still standing trial and have not been convicted.
She also appealed to society to stop stigmatising former inmates, stressing that rejection and discrimination make reintegration difficult and increase the risk of reoffending.
Highlighting challenges at the facility, ASP Ambadrie called on individuals, organisations, and corporate bodies to support the prison, particularly with medical supplies. She disclosed that the prison infirmary currently lacks essential medicines, making it difficult to treat common ailments such as skin rashes and other preventable illnesses.
The appeal was made during a visit by Bethel Prayer Ministries International, Sunyani Area, to the Sunyani Female Prison as part of activities marking the church’s 30th anniversary. The church donated assorted food items, including tubers of yam, two bags of maize, crates of eggs, packs of mineral water, and an undisclosed sum of money to support the inmates.
Meanwhile, the General Overseer of Bethel Prayer Ministries International, Ghana, Apostle Paul Kofi Adu Newman, said the visit aimed to share the love of God with inmates as part of the church’s social responsibility. He noted that the church prayed with the inmates, shared the Word of God, and encouraged them to remain hopeful.
Apostle Newman also advised the public, particularly the youth, to avoid behaviours that could bring them into conflict with the law.
