Prisons Boss: Unprofessional officers to be weeded out

The Ghana Prisons Services says it is taking all necessary actions to address issues confronting the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons.

An unannounced search conducted at the Nsawam Prisons on 15th April, 2011, led to the seizure of a number of prohibited items from the inmates.

Acting Director General of the Prisons Service, Kofi Bansah told Asempa News his outfit is investigating the unprofessional conduct of some officers at the Prisons.

He said anyone found culpable irrespective of their ranks and positions, will be dealt with according to the law as rules and regulations are in force and any officer who breaches them will be dealt with appropriately.

“Let me sound a note of caution to all officers that my administration will not countenance any form of indiscipline on the part of any officer. We have come a long way and therefore will not allow a few officers to draw us backwards through indisciplined acts,” he cautioned.

Addressing a staff durbar at the Prisons Headquarters in Accra today, Mr. Bansah was worried at the manner in which inmates are packed in the cells countrywide, leading to overcrowding.

Meanwhile Mr. Bansah has stated that the Prisons Service is yet to meet the Electoral Commission as to whether inmates should be allowed to participate in elections in Ghana.

“But the inmates are happy because at least for once they have been recognized as people who can exercise their franchise to vote,” he remarked.

Story: Afia Amankwaah-Tamakloe/Asempa News/Ghana