Ashanti Regional Commander of Prisons Services, James B. Mwinyelle
Correspondence from Ashanti Region
The Ashanti Regional Commander of Prisons Services and Officer In-Charge of Kumasi Central Prisons, James B. Mwinyelle, has painted a grim picture of life inside the Kumasi Central Prison, revealing that inmates are only served rice once a year.
Mwinyelle made this disclosure during an end-of-year get-together program organised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Kumasi.
According to him, the prison’s feeding schedule is limited, with breakfast served around 11 am and lunch and supper combined at 1 pm.
However, Mwinyelle noted that protein is a significant challenge, and luxuries like eggs are scarce.
He attributed this to the prison’s overcrowding, with 1,563 inmates, which has a negative effect on every aspect of prison life.
The regional commander also highlighted other challenges faced by the prison, including inadequate exercise space, poor living conditions, and limited access to amenities.
He revealed that inmates are locked in their cells at 5:30 pm, and the washrooms are basic with shared facilities.
Mwinyelle appreciated the support from companies, religious organisations, and individuals, and expressed his desire for land to be allocated for farming, which would provide food for the inmates and offer rehabilitation opportunities.
He concluded by emphasising the need for law reform to ensure that only those who need to be incarcerated are in prison.
