Accra: Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, the Minister for the Interior/National Security, has highlighted the inadequacy of the feeding grant allocated to prison inmates, which currently stands at GH?1.80 per individual. The Minister addressed this issue during the Mid-Year Review Report for the Ministry of the Interior/National Security at a press conference held at the Presidency in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the press conference was part of the 'Governance Accountability Series', organized by the Presidency Communication Bureau to promote transparency and accountability in governance. Alhaji Muntaka announced government initiatives aimed at improving the dietary conditions of prison inmates, including an agricultural venture featuring a 5,000-layer poultry project and the cultivation of 1,654 acres of crops. This effort is supported by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture through the provision of necessary equipment and inputs.
The Minister also detailed educational initiatives within the Ghana Prison Service, such as juvenile and secondary education programs to support educational continuity for inmates. Furthermore, the completion of the Damongo Correctional Facility was noted as a significant step towards expanding correctional facilities and alleviating overcrowding.
Alhaji Muntaka commended The Church of Pentecost for its role in enhancing prison facilities, urging other organizations and individuals to support the Ghana Prison Service. He also spoke about ongoing projects, including the completion of five camp prisons and the drafting of a 24-Hour Economic Proposal to align prison operations with national productivity goals.
Additionally, a digital literacy program under the One Million Coders initiative has been launched to equip inmates, officers, and their dependents with digital skills. The Minister mentioned collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency for recruiting prison support staff and efforts in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to repatriate over 2,241 street beggars, restoring public order and aiding vulnerable populations.
Lastly, Alhaji Muntaka announced a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Youth Development to provide internship opportunities in security agencies, with the first batch of interns set to begin training on July 16.
