Ghana Prisons Service

GHANA PRISONS SERVICE

Annual Report 2013 Published Under The Authority Of The Director-General Of Prisons FOREWARD

The Ghana Prisons Service made great strides in the performance of its mandatory functions of ensuring safe custody and welfare of inmates while providing opportunities for their reformation and rehabilitation before discharge. Healthcare delivery to inmates saw a significant improvement as provisions for inmates to access healthcare services both within and outside the prison walls, were made. This, coupled with increased production of vegetables by the farming stations to improve inmates’ nutritional status, resulted in reducing the mortality rate of prisoners significantly.

Due to the determination of the Prisons Service to transform the existing penal system into an effective, humane and a safe reformatory one, great emphasis was placed on developing the human resource to ensure high professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness. A significant number of officers were given the opportunity to undertake academic and professional courses to upgrade their knowledge and skills, A few also attended international seminars to share practices with the outside world and also acquaint themselves with current trends in prison management. These opportunities translated into improving performance on the job to an appreciable level.

The inmates’ educ ational programmes rolled out in the Medium Security Prison in Nsawam and some of the Central Prisons across the country continued to receive the desired attention from the Service and the Government. Performance of the students at both the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) and the West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) has been good since the start of the programme.

In the area of rehabilitation of prisoners, the Service did not relent in its efforts to provide for and encourage as many inmates as possible to access the skills training in carpentry, tailoring, soap making, catering, block- laying and concreting, barbering and Information Communication Technology (ICT). It is envisaged that the acquisition of such employable skills would make the beneficiaries easily make economic adjustment when released into the conventional society, thus, helping to reduce recidivism.

Successful engagement of prisoners in agriculture was pursued as farming stations continued their drive in producing food, in pursuance of the policy of the Prisons Service to supplement government ration with agricultural products produced internally.

In the midst of all these, our prisons continued to be bedevilled with the problem of overcrowding. The increasing number of remands and persons sentenced by the courts on daily basis to serve various prison terms, led to an overwhelming congestion in the prisons. This calls for extensive reforms in the sentencing policies of the country to consider other altern atives to imprisonment. It is highly envisaged that while committing persons convicted of felonies to prison terms and working out appropriate non-custodian sentences for those convicted of misdemeanours, our prison would be decongested for effective sentence planning and management.

While waiting for a greater display of public goodwill towards the Ghana Prisons Service in the area of continuous support for the various programmes being run in the Prisons, I wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of the Interior, our colleagues and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system for their invaluable assistance. I am equally grateful to the various religious organizations, corporate bodies, non-governmental organizations and civil society groups that continued to contribute towards the realization of the vision of the Service. The role of the media in our achievements is also highly appreciated.

Finally, to the rank and file of the Ghana Prisons Service whose dedication to duty, fortitude in times of difficulties and commitment to the course of the Service have helped in bringing the Service this far, I say thank you very much.

MATILDA BAFFOUR -AWUAH DIRECTOR -GENERAL OF PRISONS

GENERAL REVIEW

The Service remained committed to its statutory function of safe custody and welfare of prisoners. It also pursued reformation and rehabilitation programmes aimed at facilitating effective re-entry of prisoners after their release from prison and preventing re-offending behaviour among ex-convicts. The Service remained focused on its policy of staff development by providing opportunities for both superior and subordinate officers to attend various academic and professional courses, seminars and workshops for their personal and career development and improved performance. It is worth mentioning that, 40 officers served on the

United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in five countries in Africa during the reporting year.

The inmates’ educational programmes in the prisons made a remarkable progress as it registered 60 inmates who sat for various examinations as follows: 38 for NVTI, 19 for BECE and 3 for WASSCE. It is envisaged that the momentum would be maintained and the successes chalked will whip up interest and encourage more prisoners to enrol at both the Junior and Senior High School levels.

The age-old problem of overcrowding persisted, especially in the walled prisons. T here was an increase in prisoner population at the rate of 3.12 % during the reporting year. The average monthly prisoner popu lation was 13,908 as against 13,487 recorded in 2012. The Service remained focused on facilitating and coordinating activities of the Judicial Review Committee dubbed ‘Justice for All Programme’ which led to the release of 30 remand prisoners who have out -stayed their commitment warrants while 45 were bailed. T he average daily remand population stood at 3,023 as against 3,027 in the previous year, representing an annual reduction rate of 0.132%.

The Service vigorously pursued its agricultural policy of increasing food, cash crop and livestock production to supplement government expenditure in feeding the inmates of the country’s prisons. The daily feeding rate of GH¢1.80 GP per a prisoner even though inadequate, remained uncha nged.

The Chaplaincy Unit, in collaboration with the various religious groups, intensified its religious programmes in the prisons. Recognised religious bodies, especially Christian and Islamic groups, continued to fellowship with inmates and also made pr esentations of food items and used clothing to prisoners.

The Service saw much improvement in the health needs of both inmates and staff. The nutritional value of inmates’ ration was enriched through the cultivation and supply of vegetables by the Agric Unit of the Service.

The year saw a vibrant Public Relations Unit which worked hard in educating the general public about the Service policies and projects in relation to its core functions through the cooperation and support of both the print and the electronic media. The Unit also maintained good working relationship between the Prisons Service and other stakeholders in the Criminal Justice Administration as well as Non-Governmental Organisations.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Ghana Prisons Service is tasked with the safe custody of convicted persons from the Courts as well as the provision of Reformation and Rehabilitation Program mes for their successful resettlement into society. Our cherished values are humanity, vigilance, fortitude and integrity.

VISION

To transform the Prisons in Ghana into highly efficient correctional facilities managed by a well-trained and motivated staff.

LEGISLATIVE MANDATE

Prisons regulations, 1958(L.I. 412)

Prisons Standing Orders, 1960

Prisons(Amendment) Regulation, 1970 (L.I 6 48)

Prisons(Declaration of Prisons) Instrument, 1971 (E.I 22)

Prisons Service Decree, 1972, NRCD 46 th Ghana Prisons Service scheme of Service Administration of 17 January, 1989

The 1992 Constitution of Ghana

GOVERNING BODY

Prisons Service Council

The Ghana Prisons Service is governed by the Prisons Service Council which is an advisory and supervisory body. The Council advises the President on matters of policy in relation to the organisation and maintenance of the prison system in Ghana.

It is also respo nsible for ensuring the efficient administration of the Prisons Service and the promotion of superior officers up to the rank of Assistant Director of Prisons.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL

By provisions of the 1992 Constitution, membership of the Council is as follows :

1. A Chairman appointed by the President 2. The Minister for the Interior 3. The Director -General of Prisons 4. A medical practitioner nominated by the Ghana Medical Association 5. A lawyer nominated by the Ghana Bar Association 6. The Attorney -General or his representative 7. A representative from the Ministry or Department of State responsible for Social Welfare 8. A representative from religious bodies 9. Two members of the Prisons Service, one of whom shall be of a junior rank. 10. Two other members appointed by the President.

THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTED THE COUNCIL

1. MR. BENSON NUTSUKPUI (GHANA BAR ASSOCIATION) - AG. CHAIRMAN 2. HON. KWESI AHWOI - MEMBER 3. MATILDA BAFFOUR AWUAH (DIR. GEN. OF PRISONS) - MEMBER 4. PROF. JACOB PLANGE-RHULE (GHANA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION) - MEMBER 5. HON. EBO BARTON-ODRO - MEMBER (MP, DEP. ATTORNEY GEN. AND MINISTER FOR JUSTICE) 7. MR. STEPHEN TAMPURI ADONGO (DIR. OF SOCIAL WELFARE) - MEMBER 8. CSP. ANDREWS K. DZOKOTO (REP. OF SUPERIOR O FFICER S) - MEMBER 9. CO. JOHANN NARTEY (REP. OF SUBORDINATE OFFICERS) - MEMBER 10. DASEBRE KWEBU EWUSI VII (REP. OF NATIONAL HOUSE OF CHIEFS) - MEMBER 11. REV. STEPHEN WENGAM (PRESIDENT’S APPOINTEE) - MEMBER 12. REJOICE JULIET AHIABLE (PRESIDENT’S APPOINTEE) - MEMBER

PRISON ESTABLISHMENTS

The Prisons Service comprises forty-five/45 establishments as follows:

i. Prisons Headquarters ii. Prison Officers’ Training School (POTS) iii. Senior Correctional Centre, (formerly Ghana Borstal Institute) iv. Seven/7 Central Prisons v. Thirteen /13 Local Prisons vi. Seven/7 Female Prisons vii. Three/3 Open Camp Prisons viii. Nine/9 Agricultural Settlement Camp Prisons ix. One/1 Medium Security Prison x. One/1 Maximum Security Prison xi. One/1 Contagious Disease Prison (CDP)

Below is a map showing the location of the various prison establishments.

Fig.1

l 5

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

As shown in the table below, the total approved budget for the year under review was One Hundred and Seven Million, Six Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Four Hundred and Twent- yTwo Ghana Cedis (GH¢107,670,422.00. ) This was allocated under three (3) main expenditure items namely: Compensation, Goods and Services and Assets.

However, this vote was inadequate necessitating the need for supplementary allocation of One Hundred and Twenty-Four Million, One Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty-Nine Ghana Cedis (GH¢124,193,669.00) bringing the total release to Two Hundred and Twenty-Two Million, Eight Hundred and Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty-One Ghana Cedis, Seventy-Seven Pesewas (GH¢222,804,551.77 )to enable the Service carry out its core mandate.

Table 1 S/NO. ITEM AMOU NT APPROV ED AMOUNT SUPPLEMEN TARY REQUIRE D BU DGET RELEASE D GH¢ GH¢ GH¢ GH¢ 1. COMPENSATIO N 77,572,033.68 65,000,000.00 170,705,912.00 105,705,912.00

2. GO ODS AND 49,170,148.00 17,000,000.00 13,590,118.86 - SERVICE

(i) Addit ional - - 18,487,757.00 18,487,757.00 Funding 3. ASSET 14,680,000.00 5,670,422.00 617,361.16 -

(i)Ankaful Maximum 20,000,000.00 20,000,000.00 19,303,402.75 - Security Prison Project

T OTAL 161,422,18 1.68 107,670,42 2 222,804,551.77 124,193,669.00

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Manpower

The total staff strength of the Service for the period under review stood at Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety-eight (5,898) as against Five Thousand and Twenty- five (5,025) the previous year. This total comprised Four Thousand and Twenty-nine (4,029) males and One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty nine (1,869) females. Of this figure, Six Hundred and Ten (610) were superior officers while the remaining Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty -eight (5,288) were subordinates.

The details are as shown in the tables belo w:

Table 2

SUBJECT MALE FEMALE TOTAL Superior Officers 463 115 578 Subordinate Officers 3,449 1,729 5,178 Civilian Employees 3 5 8 Total Staff Strength as at 31/12/2013 - - 5,764 Total Establishment - - 6,202 Vacancies - - 839

Wastage

Table 3

SUBJECT MALE FEMALE GRAND TOTAL Compulsory Retirement 70 14 84 Voluntary Retirement 4 2 6

Resignation 6 0 6 Desertion/Dismissal 3 4 7 Removal - - - Death 8 4 12 Medical Grounds 1 1 2

The Service continued to pursue its human resource development agenda during the y ear. A number of officers were released to pursue both academic and training programmes in various fields. In all 75 officers benefitted from these programmes. In the field of International engagements (Peacekeeping) the Service continued to contribute its quota by sending 40 officers to the United Nations Mission in five different countries in Africa. Below are tables showing the academic and training programmes attended by officers. Table 4 ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES WITH FULL SERVICE SPONSORSHIP SRL NAME OF PROGRAMME NO. OF OFFICERS 1 ADVANCED DIP. IN COMMUNITY 1 NURSING. 2 STENOGRAPHER SECRETARYSHIP 2 3 STENOGRAPHER GRADE II 1 4 HND. IN BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 1 5 SECRETARYSHIP & MANAGEMENT 1 6 DIP. IN TRANS. & ROAD SAFETY 1 MANAGMENT. 7 HND. IN ESTATE MANAGMENT. 1 8 HEALTH ASSISTANT COURSE 1 9 DIP. IN REGISTERED MENTAL HEALTH 1 NURSING 10 HND. ACCOUNTANCY 1 TOTAL 11

Table 5 ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES WITH STUDY LEAVE WITH PAY SRL NAME OF PROGRAMME NO. OF OFFICERS 1 HND. PURCHASING & SUPPLY 1 2 BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY 2 3 DIP. IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 1 4 MA. COMM. STUDIES 1 5 BA. BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION/HRM 2 6 DEGREE IN 1 CONSTRUCTIONTECHNOLOGY 7 BSc. PSYCHOLOGY 1 8 DIP. IN GENERAL AGRIC ULTURE. 1 TOTAL 10

Table 6 TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT COURSES SRL NAME OF PROGRAMME NO. OF OFFICERS 1 MGT. DEF. IN WIDER SECURITY 1 CONTEST 2 HUMAN RIGHTS IN PRISONS MGT. 2 3 INTERNAL SECURITY 2 4 EFFECTIVE H.R.M. 4 5 CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION 18 6 PARALEGAL SUPERVISORS’ TRAINING 20 TOTAL 47 8

Table 7

SP ECIAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMMES SRL NAME OF PROGRAMME NO. OF OFFICERS 1 DRILL AND DUTY COURSE II 2 2 FUEL DEPOT ATTENDANTS COURSE 3 3 JUNIOR STAFF COURSE 61 2 TOTAL 7

Table 8

INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT S (PEACE-KEEPING) SRL MISSION AREA NO. OF OFFICERS 1 UNMIL/LIBERIA 8 2 UNMISS/SOUTH SUDAN 23 3 MONUSCO/DR.CONGO 3 4 UNAMID/DARFUR 5 5 UNSOM/SOMALIA 1 TOTAL 40

OVERSEAS COURSES/ TRAINING LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE IN LIBERIA- 1/ ONE OFFICER

INMATES’ EDUCATION

The training and educational programmes for inmates remained a priority for the Service during the year to enable them improve their trade skills and academic pursuits. The number of inmates who registered and sat for the NVTI examination, BECE and WASSCE was sixty (60). The details are as shown in the tables below.

Table 9 NATIONAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE (NVTI) EXAMINATION SRL TYPE OF INMATES NO. REGISTERED/SAT THE EXAMS 1 JUVENILES 29 2 ADULT FEMALE PRISONERS 4 3 ADULT MALE PRISONERS 5 TOTAL 38

Table 10 BASIC EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION (BECE) SRL TYPE OF INMATES NO. REGISTERED/SAT THE EXAMS 1 JUVENILES 10 2 ADULT FEMALE PRISONERS NIL 9 (7 sat the exams 3 ADULT MALE PRISONERS because 2 had been discharged) TOTAL 19

Table 11

WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SECONDARY CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION (WASSCE) SRL TYPE OF INMATES NO. REGISTERED/SAT THE EXAMS 1 JUVENILES NIL 2 ADULT FEMALE PRISONERS NIL 3 ADULT MALE PRISONERS 3 TOTAL 3

AGRICULTURE

The Service continued to pursue Agricultural activities as an essential component of its operations in the areas of food and cash crops production and raising of livestock.

During the year, a total of 1,136 acres, out of the 1,211 acres targeted, were cultivated with various crops as indicated in the table below.

Table 12 S/NO. CROP TYPE TARGET TARGET YIELD (ACREAGE) ACHIEVED (ACREAGE) 1. Cereal (Maize, Rice and 461 447 225,000kg Sorghum) 2. Leg umes (Groundnut 30 34 7,600kg and Cowpea)

3. Plantation (Oil Palm, 565 551 106,000kg Cocoa, Cashew Mango and Moringa)

4. Root and Tuber (Yam 52 30 34,300kg and Cassava)

5. Vegetables (Pepper, 74 45 13,500kg Okra, Tomatoes and Garden eggs)

6. Woodlot (Teak and 29 29 On going Acacia) Total 1,211 1,136

As indicated above, targets for cereals, plantation crops, roots and tuber and vegetables were not achieved as a result of unfavorable rainfall pattern during the period. The target for legumes was however exceeded.

With the exception of poultry that exceeded its target, livestock production generally suffered a significant loss mainly due to mortality . The table below shows the details.

Table 13 S/NO. LIVESTOCK TARGET TARGET SET ACHIEVED 1. Sheep 265 223

2. Cattle 36 28

3. Pigs 510 345

4. Rabbits 236 146

5. Goats 40 38

6. Grasscutter 130 72

7. Poultry 1,500 2,000

Financial Target Achieved

Total Revenue = GH¢462,558.69

Total Expenditure = GH¢171,851.57

Profit = Total Revenue less Total Expenditure Profit = GH¢290,706.94

Some challenges that confronted the Service in her pursuance of agriculture during the year included; irregular rainfall pattern due to climate change, low level of mechanization, frequent breakdown of tractors and lack of drying and storage facilities.

MANAGEMENT OF PRISONERS

PRISONER POPULATION The average prisoner population for the year 2013 stood at 13,908 as against 13,487 in 2012, representing an annual population increase of 3.1%. The tab le below shows the yearly monthly population figures of prisoners from 2010 to 2013.

Table. 14

MONTH AV ERAGE MONTHLY DAILY POPULATION

2013 2012 2011 2010 January 13,446 13,567 13,252 13,601 February 13,488 13,557 13,300 13,795 March 13,630 13,396 13,267 13,424 April 13,714 13,421 13,431 13,469 May 13,826 13,407 13,406 13,495 June 13,931 13,397 13,347 13,567 July 13,924 13,451 13,334 13,534 August 14,014 13,470 13,468 13,575 September 14,019 13,504 13,493 13,501 October 14,120 13,546 13,474 13,414 November 14,360 13,525 13,479 13,327 December 14,425 13,501 13,527 13,384 Average Daily Population 13,908 13,487 13,396 13,507

CONVICT POPULATION

The average daily convict popul ation for the reporting year was 10,886.This repr esents an annual convict population growth rate of 2.7% .Of the figure, 10,725 representing 98.2% were male convicts while 191 representing 1.8% were female convicts. The female to male convicts ratio for the year was 1:53

Tables 15,16 and 17 show the statistical distribution of the convict population.

Table 15 TOTAL CONVICT POPULATION

AVERAGE MONTHLY MONTH DAILY

J ANUARY 10,450 FEBRUARY 10,531 MARCH 10,638 APRIL 10,766 MAY 10,844 JUNE 10,895 JULY 10,897 AUGUST 11,014 SEPTEMBER 11,072 OCTOBER 11,115 NOVEMBER 11,201 DECEMBER 11,207

A verage Daily C onvict Lock-up - 10,886

Table 16 Table 17 MALE CONVICT POPULATION FEMALE CONVICT POPUL ATION

MONTHLY MONTH DAILY MONTH MONTHLY DAILY AVERAGE AVERAGE POPULATION POPULATION JANUARY 10,283 JANUARY 168 FEBRUARY 10,354 FEBRUARY 168 MARCH 10,471 MARCH 167 APRIL 10,598 APRIL 169 MAY 10,681 MAY 163 JUNE 10,738 JUNE 157 JULY 10,749 JULY 148 AUGUST 10,868 AUGUST 147 SEPTEMBER 10,918 SEPTEMBER 154 OCTOBER 10,960 OCTOBER 155 NOVEMBER 11,039 NOVEMBER 162 DECEMBER 11,043 DECEMBER 163

Average Daily Female Conv ict Population - Average Daily Male Convicts Population - 10,725 159.9

REMAND POPULATION The average daily remand population for 2013 was 3,023. This represents an ann ual remand reduction rate of 0.1%. Of the total remand figure 2,966 representing 98.1% wer e male remands while 57 representing 1.9% were female remands. Tables 18, 19 & 20 show the statistical distribution of rem and population for the year.

Table 18 AVERAGE MONTHLY MONTH DAILY

JANUARY 2,995 FEBRUARY 2,967 MARCH 2,992 APRIL 2,948 MAY 2,982 JUNE 3,036 JULY 3,027 AUGUST 3,000 SEPTEMBER 2,947 OCTOBER 3,005 NOVEMBER 3,158 DECEMBER 3,218

Average Daily Remand Lock-up - 3,023 Table 19 Table 20 MALE REMAND PO PULATION FEMALE REMAND P OPULATION

MONTHLY MONTHLY MONTH DAILY MONTH DAILY AVERAGE AVERAGE POPULATION POPULATION JANUARY 2,928 JANUARY 68 FEBRUARY 2,899 FEBRUARY 68 MARCH 2,921 MARCH 71 APRIL 2,878 APRIL 70 MAY 2,920 MAY 62 JUNE 2,975 JUNE 61 JULY 2,964 JULY 63 AUGUST 3,006 AUGUST 61 SEPTEMBER 2,892 SEPTEMBER 55 OCTOBER 2,950 OCTOBER 55 NOVEMBER 3,103 NOVEMBER 55 DECEMBER 3,158 DECEMBER 60 Average Daily Male Remand Population Average Daily Female Remand Population - 2,966 - 57

Juvenile Population On the average the Senior Correctional Centre held 98 juveniles daily. The table bel ow shows t he monthl y popul ation fig ures of juveniles.

Table 21 AVERAGE MONTHLY MONTH DAILY LOCK-UP JANUARY 120 FEBRUARY 99 MARCH 98 APRIL 97 MAY 97 JUNE 93 JULY 93 AUGUST 94 SEPTEMBER 95 OCTOBER 96 NOVEMBER 99 DECEMBER 97

A verage Daily Lock-up - 98.

PRISONERS ADMITTED 19,800 prisoners were admitted into lawful custody during the year . This represents an annual adm ission increase rate of 6.5%. 7,022 of the prisoners admitted were convicts while 12,778 were remand prisoners. The recidivism rate for the reviewing year was 4.5%

Table 22 MALE - FEMALE ADMISSION CATEGORY NUMBER Male 19,144 Female 656 Total 19,800

T he female to male admission ratio w as 1:29

Table 23 CONVICTS CATEGORY NUMBER Male 6,847 Female 175 Total 7,022

The female to male convict admission ratio was 1:39 Table 24 REMAND CATEGORY NUMBER Male 12,297 Female 481 Total 12,778

The female to male remand admission ratio was 1: 25

Categorizat ion of Convicts Admitted The table below shows the statistics of three/3 categories of convicts admitted during year under review. Table 25 CATEGORY NUMBER First Offenders 5,733 Second Offenders 971 Recidivists 318 Total 7,022

Fig. 2 Recidivists, 318 Pie Chart Of Category of Convicts Second Offenders, 971

First Offenders, 5,733

First Offenders - Those who have been admitted into prison for the first time.

Second Offenders - Those with one previous conviction and have been admitted into prison for the second time.

Recid ivists - Prisoners with more than two/2 previous convictions.

Age Distribution of Convict Prisoners Admitted The age distribution of the convicts admitted during the reporting year is shown in the table below. T he mean age is 29.7y ears.

Table 26 AGE RANGE CUMULATIVE FREQUENCY %

12 - 17 59 59 0.84% 18 - 25 3,228 3169 45.13% 26 - 35 5,402 2174 30.96 36 - 45 6,403 1001 14.26 46 - 50 6,773 370 5.27 51-60 6,914 141 2.01 61-70 7,022 108 1.54 71+ 7,022 0 0 TOTAL 7022 100.00%

Fig. 3 Cumulative Frequency Curve Of Ages of Prisoners 8000 C 7000 u 6000 m 5000

4000 F 3000 r e 2000 q 1000 0

Age Range of Prisoners

Offences Committed by Prisoners Admitt ed

The table below shows the detailed regional distribution of the offences committed by prisoners. Stealing continue d to be the major cause of imprisonment.

Table 27

N N N N ON N I O O O ION

G G ION G GI T

EGIO E RA G L EGION RE R EN RE

R I REGI CC REGIO TA OFFENCES/REGIONS N R RE A RC O FO RE T ER ERN RAL A AST PE LTA GT H THERN E ST NT / O R SHANT V U U/WEST O A B/A EA CE WEST N MURDER - 25 4 1 2 6 1 5 1 - 45 0.59% MANSLAUGHTER - 2 - 2 4 7 3 - - 6 24 0.3% RAPE - 11 3 2 - - 10 - - - 26 0.34% DEFILEMENT 12 90 28 24 58 38 110 2 3 10 375 4.9% ROBBERY 1 163 277 13 62 6 54 1 2 - 579 8% STEALING 33 1034 344 365 644 249 194 107 72 82 3124 40.8% POSS. NARCOTIC DRUGS - 220 20 25 31 25 66 - 1 3 391 5.1% THREAT OF DEATH - 43 23 21 34 10 14 - 3 4 152 2.0% CAUSING DAMAGE 3 2 21 - 36 12 19 11 3 14 121 1.58% CAUSING HARM - 171 26 73 103 8 24 9 6 5 425 5.55% ASSAULT 2 62 20 24 69 27 17 4 10 2 237 3.09% FRAUD 1 208 12 17 91 2 22 2 3 - 358 4.67% CONTEMPT OF COURT - 1 3 - - 2 2 - - - 8 0.10% CONSPIRACY 5 35 47 103 37 12 21 12 26 27 325 4.24% UNLAWFUL ENTRY 12 81 78 90 133 5 34 8 9 - 450 5.88% DISHONESTLY RECEIVING - 2 5 2 10 1 25 - 2 1 48 0.63% DRIVING OFFENCES - 134 19 12 51 - 2 0 1 - 219 2.86% POSS. OF STOLEN PROPERTY - 2 6 1 - 1 - - - - 10 0.13% DEFRAUDING BY FALSE PRETENCE - - 15 - 10 7 - 0 - - 32 0.42% ABETMENT OF CRIME 1 14 1 3 12 4 6 0 7 1 49 0.64% POSS. OF OFFEN. WEAPON - - - - 2 6 6 1 - - 15 0.20% ESCAPING FROM CUSTODY - 3 10 3 10 5 21 1 - 1 54 0.71% INDECENT ASSAULT - 1 11 - - 2 - 0 - 2 16 0.21% RESISTING ARREST - 2 1 - - - 1 0 - - 4 0.05%

BEING ON PREMISES FOR UNLAW - - 2 - - 4 - 0 - - 6 0.08% INCEST - - 5 - - 1 - 1 - - 7 0.09% HUMAN TRAFFICKING - 2 - 2 ------4 0.05% UNLAWFUL DAMAGE - 15 - 1 - - - 1 - - 17 0.22% DEFRAUDING - 14 23 27 - - 2 - - 1 67 0.87% FRAUDULENT BREACH OF TRUST - 2 - 20 - 1 - - - - 23 0.30% OTHERS - 45 121 44 170 28 7 12 12 9 448 5.85% TOTAL 70 2384 1125 875 1569 469 661 177 161 168 7659 100.0%

Foreigners Admitted

A total of 330 foreigners w ere admitted during the reporting year. The table bel ow shows the regional distribution of foreigners admitted. Table 28

IA E

BE A AN

N T

N IR

UN REGION/COUNTRY N

N NES INA LESE AN A OCC I RIAN A INO CEN AL RIAN I ERIA ERIEN BO INEA INESE RK AI GO T

MERO O G G I I ENY O O PER CH CA T BU N N BEN MAL LIBE IV K MOR IND GA GU TH T

EASTERN 55 17 73 13 13 1 11 2 6 1 1 1 1 2 197 59.7

CENTRAL 2 4 5 3 1 - - 2 1 ------18 5.4

WESTERN 8 4 4 2 - 1 - - 1 - - - - 1 - - 21 6.4

ASHANTI 5 - 8 - - - 2 ------2 17 5.2

BRONGAHAFO 3 5 8 - - - - - 2 - - - 1 - - - 19 5.8

VOLTA 14 3 5 3 3 1 - 1 ------30 9.1

UPPEREAST 4 9 - 1 ------14 4.2

NORTHERN 2 1 9 1 1 14 4.2

TOTAL 93 43 112 23 18 3 13 5 10 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 330 100

Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers and Babies A dmitted The table below shows the distribution of pregnant women, nursing mothers and babies admitted dur ing the reviewing y ear.

Table 29 PREG NANT NURSING STATION WOMEN MOT HERS BABIES Kum asi Female 1 1 1

Ho Female 0 2 2

Suny ani Female 0 1 1

T amale Female 1 0 0

Total 2 4 4

Fig 4

Prison & the Number of Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers & Babies 2 F 1.8 Pregnant r 1.6 Women e 1.4 q 1.2 Nursing u 1 Mothers e 0.8 n 0.6 Babies c 0.4 0.2 y 0

Prison

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND OF PRISONERS ADMITTED

The table below shows the educational background of convict prisoners admitted

Table 30

LEVEL OF S/NO. NUMBER PERCENTAGE EDUCATION 1 Degree 181 2.6 2 HND/Diploma 24 0.3 3 Secondary 1076 15.3 4 Technical 112 1.6 5 Vocational 18 0.3 6 Commercial 11 0.2 7 JSS 3305 47 8 Primary 969 13.8 9 Illiterates 1326 18.9

7022 100 TOTAL

Fig 5 A Chart of Inmates & Level of Educ ation Tertiar y

Seconday HND/Diploma Illiterates

Commercial Vocational Technical

Primary

JSS

RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND OF PRISONERS ADMITTED The ta ble below shows the religious denominationsof convict prisoners admitted

Table 31 TYPE OF RELIGION NUMBER PERCENT

Christianity 4377 62.3 Islamic 1592 22.7 Pagan 826 1 1.8 Traditiona l 227 3.2

Total 7022 100

Fig 6

A chart of Religious Denomination of Inmates

Christianity

Total

Islamic

Traditional Pagan

DISCHARGES

A total of 6,049 convict prisoners were discharged during the reviewing year under the conditions stated in the table below

Table 32

TYPES OF DISCHARGE NUMBE R PERCEN T 1/3 Remission 4804 79.42 Fine Paid 591 9.77 Bailout 73 1.21 Court Order 294 4.86 Expiration of warran t 164 2.71 Amnesty 123 2.03 6049 100 Total 22 Fig 7 Pie Chart of Types of Discharge

Expiration of Court Order Amnesty warrant Bailout

Fine Paid

1/3 Remission

WASTAGE

Causes Of Death Of Prisoners During the reporting year, 86 prisoners died. This fig ure shows a decrease of 1.2 % over the previous year.

The dea th rate for the year was 0.6% Table 33

NO. DISEASE FREQUENCY %

1 HIV/AIDS 14 16.3

2 Malaria 3 3.5

3 Pulmonary Tuberclosis 12 14

4 Anaemia 15 17.4 .

5 Ascities 0 0

Cerebro Vascular 6 Accident 4 4.7 7 Cardiac Arre st 8 9.3 8 Hepatit is 2 2.3

9 Gestroenteritis 0 0 10 Meningitis 3 3.5 11 Pneumonia 4 4.7 12 Septic Shock 2 2.3 13 Septiceamia 6 7 14 Hypertension 0 0 Respiratory Heart 15 Failure 5 5.8 16 Typhoid 1 1.2 17 Others 7 8.1 Total 86 100

Fig 8 Bar Chart of inmates & Cause of Death 15

I N n 10 o m . a 5 t o e f s 0

Disease

The table below shows the prison by prison distribution of death

Table 34

NO PRISON NO. OF % DEATHS 1 Nsawam 'M' 21 24.4 2 Nsawam 'F' 1 1.2 3 Koforidua 2 2.3 4 Ankaful 'M' 4 4.7

5 Ankaful 'A' 2 2.3 6 C.D.P 3 3.5 7 Ankaful Max 1 1.2 8 Sekondi 'M' 9 10.4 9 Hiawa 2 2.3 10 Ekuasi 1 1.2

11 Tarkwa 2 2.3

12 Kum asi 'M' 12 13.9 13 Obuas i 4 4.7 14 Kenyas i Camp 1 1.2 15 HO "M' 2 2.3 16 Suny ani 'C' 5 5.7

17 Kpando 1 1.2

18 Yeji C amp 1 1.2 19 Ahi nsan 1 1.2 20 Gam baga 1 1.2 21 Tamale "M' 6 6.9

22 James Cam p 3 3.5

23 Winneba Local 1 1.2

Total 86 100

Fig 9

25 Bar Chart of Prisons & Number of Deaths I 20 N n o m 15 . a

o t 10

f e 5 s 0

Disease

Regional Distribution of Death s The table below shows the regional distribution of de aths.

Table 35

NO. OF REGION % INMATE S Greater A ccra 3 3.5 Norther n 7 8.1 Wester n 14 16.3 Central 11 12.8 Eastern 24 27.9

Volta 3 3.5

Brong Ahafo 7 8.1

Ashant i 17 17.8 U/East 0 0 U/West 0 0

Total 86 100

Fig 10 Bar Chart of Region & Number of Deaths

N 25 o . 20

o 15 f 10 D e 5 a t 0 h

Region

ESCAPES During the year, 33 prisoners escaped from lawful custody. Eleven/11 of the escapees w ere however recapt ured. The escape rate for the year was 0.2%.

Table 36

REGION TYPE OF ESCAPE TOTAL %

INT ERNAL E XTERNAL Great er Accra 1 0 1 3 Eastern 5 1 6 18.2

Central 0 2 2 6.1

Wester n 0 2 2 6.1 Brong Ahaf o 1 2 3 9.1 Ashant i 0 8 8 24.2 Volta 0 3 3 9.1 Norther n 0 8 8 24.2

U/East 0 0 0 0

U/West 0 0 0 0

Total 7 26 33 100 Escape rate is 0.2%

Recapture rate is 42%

Fig 11 Region & Number of Escapes

N 8 o 7

6 o 5 f 4 Internal 3 I External n 2 m 1 a 0 t e

s Region

Station by Station Distribution of Esc apes

Table 37

STA TION TYPE OF ESCAP E TOTAL RECAPTURE

INT ERNAL EXTERN AL James Cam p 1 0 1 1

Akuse Local 0 1 1 0 Nsawam Med. 0 2 2 1

Forifori Cam p 5 0 5 4 Osamkrom Camp 0 1 1 0

Awutu Cam p 0 1 1 0 Ekuasi Camp 0 2 2 0

Kumasi

Central 0 1 1 0 Obuasi Local 0 2 2 0 Amanfr om Camp 0 3 3 0

Kpando Local 0 3 3 3

Kenyasi Sett. 1 2 3 0

Tamale Central 0 2 2 0

Y endi Local 0 1 1 0

Salag a Local 0 4 4 2 Gam baga Local 0 1 1 0

T otal 7 26 33 11

Fig 12 Prison & Number of Escapes

N 5 o 4 . 3 o f 2 Internal External I 1 n m 0 a

Prison

SENIOR CORRECTIONAL CENTRE

Being the only juvenile facility of the Service, the centre had a total inmate population of One Hundred and Seventeen (117) who were all first offenders. It is noteworthy that, during the period under review forty- five (45) juveniles were admitted.

The statistics below indicates their demographics, offence s committed and the trend of their offending behaviour.

Age Distribution

Table 38 12-15 15 16-18 30 Total 45

Educational Background

Table 39 ILLITERA TES 6 PRIMARY 2 2 JHS 16 SHS 1 TOTAL 45

Religious Background

Table 40 MOSLE MS 7

CHRISTIANS 30

PAGANS 8 TOTAL 45

Offences Committed

The table below indicates the offences committed :

Table 41 OFFENCE NO. OF PERSON STEALING 33 ROBBERY 1 UNLAWFUL ENTR Y 12 CAUSING HARM - THREAT OF DEATH - POSSESSION OF FIRE ARMS - ATTEMPTED MURD ER - MANSLAUGHTER - ATTEMPTED RAPE -

ABETMENT -

NARCOTIC - CAUSING DAMAGE 3 CONSPIRA CY 5 INDECENT ASSA ULT 2 INCEST - DEFILEMENT 12

30 FRAUD 1 OTHERS 5 TOTAL 74

Type of Offenders Table 42 1ST OFFENDERS 45 2ND OFFENDERS NIL RECIDIVIST NIL TOTAL 45

Rehabilitation and Reformation Programm es:

Chaplaincy Activities

As usual, the Centre undertook a number of activities aimed at reforming inmates. These included moral education, counselling, preaching and mentoring.

Educational Programmes

The educational programmes comprising the Non -Formal, Junior High and NVTI made steady progress . The Centre recorded 100% pass in the 2013 BECE and all of them had placement in various Senior High School s and Technical Institutes within the Greater Accra Region.

Additionally, the Centre presented thirty - one (31) inmates for the National Vocational and Technical Institute (NVTI) Examination and is awaiting results.

Trade Training

During the year, the Centre ran the under-listed trade training programmes for the inmates. The details are as follows:

i. Auto Mechanics - 10 ii. Welding - 7 iii. Vulcanizing - 3 iv. Carpentry - 6 v. Tailoring - 8

vi. General Electrical - 10 vii. Shoemaking - 3 viii. Blacksmithing - 4 ix. Ceramics - 7 x. Draughtsmanship - 4

After successfully completing the above listed trade training, the inmates are made to write the NVTI Examination for certification.

Sports

By way of providing some recreation for the juvenile offenders, the Centre organised football matches, table tennis, volleyball and other indoor games for its inmates. This was aimed at reducing boredom and to boost their health.

Counselling

The Counselling Unit at the Centre organised counselling sessions for the inmates on regular basis. The main activities were on case studies, group work and academic counselling. This was done in collaboration with the Chaplaincy Unit.

RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS UNIT

The year under review has been very eventful as far as the Religious Affairs Units of the stations are concerned. All the stations gained spiritually from the numerous religious activities undertaken. Churches, para-church and faith-based organizations as well as groups professing the Islamic faith visited the prisons in turns to share the word of God with both inmates and officers.

On the whole, not less than fifty -five (55) churches, thirty nine (3 9) Islamic , Faith-based , Non-Governmental Organizations and eleven (11) spirit -led individuals were given permit during the year to do ministry with the prisons. The activities of these religious groups complemented those of the eleven (11) chaplains, two (2) assistant Chaplains and two (2) Imams in enhancing the reformation attempts of the Ghana Prisons Service.

Activities such as Padre’s Hour, Open Air Services, Crusades, Fasting and Prayers, Revivals And Thematic Topical Teachings were carried out. Other activities included teaching on Biblical character, inspirational preaching, all -night prayers, carols nights as well as wedding s and burial services for officers.

The chaplains provided counselling services to traumatized inmates and disturbed officers to help them learn to cope with life despite challenges. Officers who got married were taken through pre - marital counselling for them to gain enough knowledge about the institution before they entered. Similarly, prisoners who went on discharge were taken through pre -discharged counselling to prepare them for c ivil life after their long stay in prison.

Various churches, religious groups and kind - hearted individuals made donations of a myriad of items to the prisons. The items included soap, detergents, drugs, footballs, bread, rice, sugar, biscuits, drinks, Bibles, hymn books, foot - wears, used clothes and TV sets. Prominent among the donors were the Prison Ministry of Ghana, Royal House Chapel, The Church of Pentecost, Ambariya Sunni Community, Osei Kusi Foundation, Hebron Prayer Camp and

Dr. Abdulai of Shekinah C linic, Tamale.

MUSIC

Both the Regimental and the Dance Bands (Masterpiece) comprised seventy -nine (79) men including two (2) senior officers. During the reviewing year, they performed a total of One Hundred and Sixty (160) engagements.

The Regimental band performed ei ghty-nine (89) while the Masterpiece band performed seventy -one (71) with non-commercial engagements such as passing -out parades and national events dominating the commercial ones.

During the period, the Commandant of the Prison Officers’ Training School (P.O.T.S) donated a set of brass instruments to the Regimental Band while the Prisons Administration purchased a set of loud speakers to replace the obsolete ones.

Three (3) Drum Majors were also sponsored to pursue an Advanced Cour se in Drum Majorship at the Ghana Armed Forces Central Band to improve on their performance.

COMMERCIAL UN IT

During the reviewing year, the tailoring section of the Unit remained busy. They sewed 62pairs of trousers and shirt sfo r a Security Company, 22p airs of trousers and tops for Centre for Skills Training and 65pa irs of trousers and tops for Judicial Service.

The Unit b randed key holders and openers using the Service Logo for sale. The project on the manufacture of 2,000 Dual Desk, 300 Te achers tables and cha irs and 30 office desk s for Omega School was ongoing.

COMMUNICATION UNIT

The Uni t received 120 pieces of Gota Phones (Handset) from the Bureau of National Communications (BNC) which they distributed them to the stations. It also managed to secure access to other networks on the Gota for 65 officers to improve inf ormation flow.

In addition, t he unit managed to install 12 fax machines at various prisons across the country and carried out maintenance works on various electronic gadgets including PABX equipment, Fax and Photocopier machines.

SPORTS UNIT

The Service registered and participated in the under listed disciplines during the year under review.

Handball (Men/Women) Volleyball (Men/Women) Hockey (Men/Women) Basketball (Men/Women) Boxing Tae-Kwon-Do Athletics (Men/Women) Football (Men/Women) Table Tennis (Men/Women) Tug-Of-War (Men/Women)

Six boxers out of seven won Gold medals while the other won silver in the boxing discipline. At the end of the tournament, No. 10292, 2CO Sulemana Tetteh was adjudged the best boxer of the year as a result of his magnificent performance exhibited throughout the games.

In basket ball,the female team placed second while the male placed t hird. The football team placed second in the Northern sector after the end of the season with the ladies placing third after both the Northern and Southern sector results were merged. The teams performed remarkably well in the remaining disciplines.

Sporting activities were also organized for inmates at the various prisons to keep them fit. The common ones included football, volley ball, athletics, playing cards and draught.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

The Public Relations (PR) Unit was able to achieve its set objectives in the year under review. It worked tirelessly in carrying out its primary function of establishing, maintaining and sustaining the Service’s relationship with other organisations. It se ized profile-raising opportunities to raise public awareness on the daily operations of the Service through various media platforms. It also shared the Service’s successes and challenges with the public.

The PR Unit also maintained existing relationships with various stakeholder groups such as the Ministry of Interior, National Security Secretariat, State Protocol Department , Security agencies, Embassies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, using ethical public rela tions practices.

Visits and Events

The Service hosted important dignitaries such as Professor Wani Eluzai Ladu of t he National Prisons Service in South Sudan as well as visits from Madam Agnetta Jo hnson and Christer Isaksson of Swedish Corrections and Probation Services.

The year also saw the induction of Madam Matilda Baffour -Awuah into office as first female Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service.

A mosque was inaugurated at Ankaful Main Camp Prison by the Director-General of Prisons, Madam Matilda Baffour-Awuah.

The Director-General paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace.

The Director General of Prisons and the Directors responsible for the various regions paid working visits to their respective priso ns during the period.

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Defense and Interior, led by Hon. George Kofi Arthur, paid a working visit to the Tamale Female Prison.

Hon. Freda Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Tano North, went on a familiarization tour at the Duayaw Nkwanta Camp Prison.

The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. Jose ph Nii Laryea Afotey - Agbo, and the Member of Parliament for Ho Central paid a working visit to the Ho Central Prison.

Mr. Issahaku Abdul Gafaru, the Municipal Director of CHRAJ paid a working visit to the Navrongo Central Prison.

Mrs. Rebecca Amefa of UN HCR paid an official visit to the Sekondi Central Prison. Also, officials from the British High Commission: Mr. Juan Meuder, Stephavia Selg, Sonia Crouin, Duarte Viera and Rucdo Dosiva paid a working visit to the prison.

Two officials from the British High Commission , M r. Charanpreet Walia, Head of Migration Policy for West Africa, and Mr. Roger Coventry, visited the Sekondi Female Prison.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Mr. Juan Mendez visited some selected prisons in Ghana.

The Ankaful Maximum Security Prison specifically received the following visit ors : Mr. Roger Coventry and Charanpreet Walia from the British High Commission; Dr. Sam T. Kwashie of the Ghana Health Services Directorate, Cape Coast; DOP Cristksson Sweden from the Kofi Annan Peace Keeping Centre; Madam Ellis Nortey Dowuona from the Ghana AIDS Commission; Mr. David N. Aneere of the Public Service Commission; Cecilia Arthur and Godfred Nyarko fr om the Dept. of Social Welfare; Henry Afrifa and Tony Amechie from the British High Commission, Accra; and the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Juan Mendez accompanied by Sonoc Cronir ,Stephen Selg Duante and Vieirar Ricardo Freitas.

DONATIONS

During the year under review, the following donations were received from organizations and individuals at the various prisons in the country:

The Ghana Football Association donated an amount of GHC 3,800.00 to the Prisons Sports Unit at Headquarters as their contribu tion towards the year’s Football League.

The Volunteer Chaplains’ Association refurbished a Computer Laboratory at the cost of GHC 9,500.00 at the Senior Correctional Centre. GUFC also donated ten computers and accessories valued at GHC15, 000.00 to the Centre. Mr and Mrs. Enin of the Holy Ghost Temple of the International Central Gospel Church, Frafraha branch, sponsored the drilling of a mechanized borehole at the cost of GHC14,000.00 also at the Centre.

GIFEC donated ten computers, and Volunteer Chaplains’ Association refurbished a computer Centre at the James Camp Prison.

The Volta Regional Minister, Hon . Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey -Agbo donated a n amount of GHC400.00, seven bags of 25kg rice, and a bull to the Ho Central Prison. Also, the Member of Parliament for Ho Central, Hon. Benjamin Kpodo, donated ten bags of 25kg rice, frytol oil and a quantity of tin ned fish to the prison.

Mrs. Theresa Sarpey, a woman who has adopted 25 (twenty -five) inmates since 2004 at the Sekondi Central Prison, donated food items and toiletries to the inmates at the end of every month. The Lower Pra Ladies Association also donated various items to the inmates.

A Muslim , solely financed the building of a Mosque in the yard of the Navrongo Central Prison.

The Service received donations from various stakeholders and partners such as the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, SIC Life Company Limited, Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana and Amen scientific and Herbal Clinic.

Also, various religious bodies donated food items and toiletries to the inmates of the pr isons countrywide.

Prisons Headquarters P. O. Box 129, Accra - Ghana Tel: 0302 777 057 / 760 093-4 / 777 830 Fax: 0302 772 865 Annual Report 2013