By Sandra Agyeiwaa OTOO
Development Bank Ghana (DBG) has extended a helping hand to the inmates of Nsawam Prison and the Senior Correction Centre (SCC).
In all, it donated over GH₵76,000 worth of essential items to two organisations. The gesture forms part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Ramadan charity initiatives.
The items, comprising bags of rice, sugar, toiletries, assorted drinks, sanitary towels, detergent and others, aim to support the inmates during the Ramadan season to foster a sense of hope and belongingness.
The Ag. Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Development Bank Ghana (DBG), Barbara Anawonu Wricketts, explained that Ramadan is a time for fasting, prayer, and charitable deeds while recognizing the importance of inclusivity among individuals of varying ages and backgrounds.
“As we all know, Ramadan is a significant festivity that is being observed by the Muslims and this month, they usually fast, pray and give arms, so we thought it wise as part of the Ramadan charity to extend a hand to the prisons,” she stated.
“We decided to extend our support to Nsawam prison and the Senior Correctional Centre (SCC), catering to individuals aged 18 years and below. Our Ramadan charity initiative includes providing food supplies to aid in their celebrations and to reassure them that they are not alone. This gesture underscores our belief in their potential for reformation and transformation, with our community ready to embrace and welcome them upon their return,’’ she added.
Speaking on behalf of the prison authorities and inmates, the Assistant Director of Prisons (ADP) of the Medium Security Prison at Nsawam, Mohammed Mukhtar Adams, highlighted the importance of rehabilitation and societal reintegration, urging a shift in perception towards inmates.
“In fact, it’s a nice thing that you have done and everybody is supposed to emulate what you have done. We shouldn’t think that those who are in prison are all criminals.
“A minor encounter with the law can lead to incarceration without involving violence or theft. Trafficking offenses, for instance, can result in imprisonment. It’s important to recognize that not everyone in prison is a hardened criminal. Many individuals regret their actions and seek redemption. By aiding in their rehabilitation, we can empower them to reintegrate into society and make positive contributions,” he said.
Mr. Adams expressed profound gratitude for DBG’s gesture. “On behalf of the staff and all the inmates, I say thank you to you. May God bless you and reward you abundantly, and this shouldn’t be the first or last time you visit us to donate such a thing to us. Development Bank, you have really shown that you are committed to developing society and the country at large.”
The Assistant Director of Prisons and 2nd In Command (2IC) at the Senior Correctional Centre, Roland Ubald Suurbesig, highlighted the center’s commitment to offering education and vocational training to inmates. This initiative aims to empower them with the skills needed for a successful transition back into society.
“The centre was originally managed by social welfare, but in 1958 it was handed over to the Ghana Prisons Service. The centre admits juveniles and young offenders who are in conflict with the law. They are here to be trained, have formal education and receive skill training so that when they come out, they will fit back into their families, into their communities and, for that matter, into society at large,” he mentioned.
“Because of that, we have so many workshops here—about 16 of them—in carpentry, fitting, mechanics, shoe making, tailoring, etc. Just name them. There are 16 shops that we have, so when a boy comes here, nobody forces anyone to do anything. After he spends maybe 3 months, he is introduced to all these shops so that the one that he wants to go by is the one we will place him in. We don’t force him to go and do this or that, but we take you through all the shops so that you yourself will tell us what you want,” he revealed.
Mr. Suurbesig revealed that despite having access to 16 shops for equipping inmates, they lack proper resources and are urging Ghanaians to provide assistance with learning materials.
“Many of the workshops here are inadequately equipped and in need of assistance. We require support in the form of training facilities and learning materials to address these deficiencies. Despite these challenges, we are striving to provide the best possible education and training. Every year, we witness successful reintegration as former inmates transition back into society and find employment,” he added.
