Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, says government has initiated steps to establish a dedicated remand centre in Bolgatanga to address challenges associated with the transportation of remand prisoners from Bolgatanga to Navrongo, as well as congestion at the Navrongo Prisons arising from the Bawku security situation.
Speaking at the first regional press soiree under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Mr. Atanga said he has engaged the Ghana Prisons Service and the Ministry of the Interior to resolve the absence of a prison facility in the Upper East Regional capital.
According to him, the proposed remand centre will ease logistical pressure on the Prisons Service, reduce delays in court proceedings, and strengthen access to justice for remand prisoners across the region.
As part of the process, Mr. Atanga disclosed that the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service paid a courtesy visit to him on December 22, 2025, during which they jointly inspected a proposed site for the facility.
He noted that while the identified site could serve as a temporary solution, further engagements are ongoing with stakeholders within the Bolgatanga Municipality to secure a more suitable parcel of land for a permanent remand centre.
The Regional Minister said the project aligns with the broader governance and justice reform agenda of President John Dramani Mahama, which prioritises human rights, institutional reforms, and improved access to justice nationwide.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
