The largest threat to inmates in Ghana, according to Akumfi Ameyaw Buanya, Executive Director of the Prison Ministry, is society’s failure to reintegrate them.
According to Mr. Buanya, more often than not, inmates feel safer being in prisons than being released to society.
“They usually feel that they do not belong to society again. Because family members will not include them in decision-making, even if they do, their contributions will not be valued, and all kinds of things. So, as a ministry, aside from preaching the word of God, it is within us to see how we can fine-tune them to society,” he said.
The Executive Director of the Ministry spoke in an exclusive interview with our reporter, Moses Apiah and indicated that such challenges were but a few that the inmates are faced with upon their release.
Given that, he said the Ministry as part of its efforts to fine-tune inmates and their well-being in the country has purchased reasonable plot sizes in Zebilla, Bawku West District, to begin the construction of a rehabilitation centre for inmates.
The centre, if commissioned, he added, will not only focus on sharing the word of God but helping the inmates with trade interventions such as tailoring, weaving, basket making, and others.
Mr. Buanya’s visit to the Upper East Region was to have a retreat with members, inmates’ families, and other relevant stakeholders to share ideas and how collectively, they can assist inmates to fine-tune themselves to society.
They also used the event to elect new branch executives to steer the affairs of the ministry at the regional level for the next two (2) years.
The Chairman-elect was Rev. Roger Wegurih, Vice-chairman: was Apostle Bayou Ernest, Secretary: was Elder George Ankrah, Treasurer: was Moot Ebenezer, Organizer: Addy Samuel Brown, Trustees: i) Chaitey M. Meryi, ii) Evangelist Matthew Gumah. The Regional Executives and Trustees were inducted into office by the PCG District Minister for Navrongo, Rev. Collins Kumador.
The Prison Ministry of Ghana’s mission is to visit prisoners, help to provide for their spiritual and physical needs, rehabilitate them, restore their dignity, and empower them to be productive.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
