Annual Report Prisons 2013.pdf

GHANA PRISONS SERVICE

Published Under The Authority OfThe Director-General Of Prisons

Annual Report 2013

1

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 alternatives 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.

2

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. There was an

increase in

prisoner population at the rate of 3.12 % during the reporting year. The

average monthly prisoner population 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. The 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.

3

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 Programmes 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

�

Ghana Prisons Service scheme of Service Administration of 17 th 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.

4

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 FFICERS) - 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)

5

Fig.1

l

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

6

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 Twenty- Two 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

AMOUNT REQUIRED

GH¢

APPROVED

BUDGET

GH¢

AMOUNT

RELEASED

GH¢

SUPPLEMENTARY

GH¢

1.

COMPENSATION

77,572,033.68

65,000,000.00

170,705,912.00

105,705,912.00

2.

GOODS AND SERVICE

(i)

Additional Funding

49,170,148.00

-

17,000,000.00

-

13,590,118.86

18,487,757.00

-

18,487,757.00

3.

ASSET

(i)

Ankaful

Maximum Security Prison Project

14,680,000.00

20,000,000.00

5,670,422.00

20,000,000.00

617,361.16

19,303,402.75

-

-

TOTAL

161,422,181.68 107,670,422 222,804,551.77 124,193,669.00

7

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

8

The Service continued to pursue its human resource development agenda during the year. 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 NURSING.

1

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

MANAGMENT. 1

7 HND. IN ESTATE MANAGMENT. 1 8 HEALTH ASSISTANT COURSE 1 9 DIP. IN REGISTERED MENTAL HEALTH

NURSING 1

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

CONSTRUCTIONTECHNOLOGY 1

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 CONTEST

1

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

9

Table 7

SPECIAL 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

3

ADULT MALE PRISONERS 9 (7 sat the exams

because 2 had been discharged)

TOTAL 19

10

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

(ACREAGE) TARGET

ACHIEVED (ACREAGE)

YIELD

1. Cereal (Maize, Rice and Sorghum)

461 447 225,000kg

2. Legumes (Groundnut and Cowpea)

30 34 7,600kg

3. Plantation (Oil Palm, Cocoa, Cashew Mango and Moringa)

565 551 106,000kg

4. Root and Tuber (Yam and Cassava)

52 30 34,300kg

5. Vegetables (Pepper, Okra, Tomatoes and Garden eggs)

74 45 13,500kg

6. Woodlot (Teak and Acacia)

29 29 On going

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.

11

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

SET TARGET

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.

12

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 AVERAGE 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 population for the reporting year was 10,886.This represents 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.

13

Table 15

TOTAL CONVICT POPULATION

MONTH

AVERAGE MONTHLY DAILY

JANUARY

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

Average Daily Convict Lock-up - 10,886

Table 16

Table 17 MALE CONVICT POPULATION

FEMALE CONVICT POPULATION

MONTH MONTHLY

DAILY

MONTH MONTHLY DAILY

AVERAGE

POPULATION

AVERAGE

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 Male Convicts Population - 10,725

Average Daily Female Convict Population - 159.9

14

REMAND POPULATION The average daily remand population for 2013 was 3,023. This represents an annual remand reduction rate of 0.1%. Of the total remand figure 2,966 representing 98.1% were 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

MONTH

AVERAGE MONTHLY 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 POPULATION

FEMALE REMAND POPULATION

MONTH MONTHLY

DAILY

MONTH MONTHLY

DAILY

AVERAGE

POPULATION

AVERAGE

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 - 2,966

Average Daily Female Remand Population - 57

15

Juvenile Population On the average the Senior Correctional Centre held 98 juveniles daily. The table below shows the monthly population figures of juveniles. Table 21

MONTH AVERAGE MONTHLY

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

Average Daily Lock-up - 98. PRISONERS ADMITTED 19,800 prisoners were admitted into lawful custody during the year . This represents an annual admission 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

The female to male admission ratio was 1:29

16

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

First Offenders,

5,733

Second Offenders,

971

Recidivists, 318 Pie Chart Of Category of

Convicts

17

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. Recidivists - 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. The mean age is 29.7years.

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

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

C

u

m

F

r

e

q

Age Range of Prisoners

Cumulative Frequency Curve Of Ages of Prisoners

18

Offences Committed by Prisoners Admitted 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

OFFENCES/REGIONS

GT

AC

CR

A

EA

ST

ER

N R

EG

ION

CE

NT

RA

L R

EG

ION

WE

ST

ER

N R

EG

ION

AS

HA

NT

I R

EG

ION

VO

LT

A R

EG

ION

B/A

HA

FO

RE

GIO

N

NO

RT

HE

RN

RE

GIO

N

U/E

AS

T R

EG

ION

U/W

ES

T R

EG

ION

TO

TA

L

PE

RC

EN

T

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%

19

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 were admitted during the reporting year.

The table below shows

the regional distribution of foreigners admitted.

Table 28

REGION/COUNTRY

TO

GO

LE

SE

B

UR

KIN

AB

E

N

IGE

RIA

N

N

IGE

RIE

N

B

EN

INO

IR

N

M

AL

IAN

L

IBE

RIA

N

IV

OR

IAN

K

EN

YA

N

M

OR

OC

CA

N

IN

DIA

N

G

AB

ON

ES

E

G

UIN

EA

N

T

HA

I

C

HIN

ES

E

T

OT

AL

P

ER

CE

NT

AG

E

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

CA

ME

RO

UN

IA

20

Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers and Babies Admitted The table below shows the distribution of pregnant women, nursing mothers and babies admitted

during the reviewing year.

Table

29

STATION PREGNANT

WOMEN NURSING

MOTHERS

BABIES

Kumasi Female

1

1

1

Ho Female

0

2

2

Sunyani Female

0

1

1

Tamale Female

1

0

0

Total

2

4

4

Fig 4

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2F

r

e

q

u

e

n

c

y

Prison

Prison & the Number of Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers & Babies

PregnantWomen

NursingMothers

Babies

21

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND OF PRISONERS ADMITTED The table below shows the educational background of convict prisoners admitted Table 30

S/NO. LEVEL OF EDUCATION

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

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

TOTAL

7022 100

Fig 5

Tertiary

HND/Diploma Seconday

Technical

JSS

Primary

Commercial

Vocational

Illiterates

A Chart of Inmates & Level of Education

22

RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND OF PRISONERS ADMITTED

The ta ble below shows the religious denomination s

of convict prisoners admitted

Table 31

TYPE OF RELIGION

NUMBER

PERCENT

Christianity

4377

62.3

Islamic

1592

22.7

Pagan

826

11.8

Traditional

227

3.2

Total

7022

100

Fig 6

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

NUMBER

PERCENT

1/3 Remission 4804 79.42

Fine Paid 591 9.77 Bailout 73 1.21

Court Order 294 4.86

Expiration of warrant 164 2.71

Christianity

Islamic

Pagan

Traditional

Total

A chart of Religious Denomination of Inmates

Amnesty 123 2.03

Total 6049 100

23

Fig 7

WASTAGE

Causes Of Death Of Prisoners

During the reporting year, 86 prisoners died.

This figure shows a decrease of 1.2 % over the previous year.

The death 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

6

Cerebro Vascular

Accident 4 4.7

7 Cardiac Arrest 8 9.3

8 Hepatitis 2 2.3

1/3 Remission

Fine Paid

Bailout

Court Order

Expiration of warrant

Amnesty

Pie Chart of Types of Discharge

.

24

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

15

Respiratory Heart

Failure 5 5.8

16 Typhoid 1 1.2

17 Others 7 8.1

Total 86 100

Fig 8

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

0

5

10

15

N

o

.

o

f

I

n

m

a

t

e

s

Disease

Bar Chart of inmates & Cause of Death

25

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

Kumasi 'M'

12

13.9

13

Obuasi

4

4.7

14

Kenyasi Camp

1

1.2 15

HO "M'

2

2.3

16

Sunyani 'C'

5

5.7

17

Kpando

1

1.2

18 Yeji Camp 1 1.2

19 Ahinsan 1 1.2

20 Gambaga 1 1.2

21 Tamale "M' 6 6.9

22

James Camp

3 3.5

23

Winneba Local

1

1.2

Total

86

100

Fig 9

0

5

10

15

20

25

N

o

.

o

f

I

n

m

a

t

e

s

Disease

Bar Chart of Prisons & Number of Deaths

26

Regional Distribution of Deaths

The table below shows the regional distribution of deaths.

Table 35

NO. OF

% INMATES

Greater Accra

3

3.5

Northern

7

8.1

Western

14

16.3

Central

11

12.8

Eastern

24

27.9

Volta

3

3.5

Brong Ahafo

7

8.1

Ashanti

17

17.8

U/East

0

0

U/West

0

0

Total

86

100

Fig 10

0

5

10

15

20

25N

o

.

o

f

D

e

a

t

h

s

Region

Bar Chart of Region & Number of Deaths

REGION

27

ESCAPES

During the year, 33 prisoners escaped from lawful custody. Eleven/11

of the

escapees were

however recaptured. The escape rate for the year was 0.2%.

Table 36

INTERNAL

EXTERNAL Greater Accra

1

0

1

3

Eastern

5

1

6

18.2

Central

0

2

2

6.1

Western

0

2

2

6.1

Brong Ahafo 1 2 3 9.1

Ashanti 0 8 8 24.2

Volta 0 3 3 9.1

Northern 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

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8N

o

o

f

I

n

m

a

t

e

s

Region

Region & Number of Escapes

Internal

External

REGION TYPE OF ESCAPE TOTAL %

28

Station by Station Distribution of Escapes Table 37

INTERNAL

EXTERNAL

James Camp

1

0

1

1

Akuse Local

0

1

1

0

Nsawam Med.

0

2

2

1

Forifori Camp

5

0

5

4

Osamkrom Camp

0

1

1

0

Awutu Camp

0

1

1

0

Ekuasi Camp

0

2

2

0

Kumasi Central

0

1

1

0

Obuasi Local

0

2

2

0

Amanfrom Camp

0

3

3

0

Kpando Local

0

3

3

3

Kenyasi Sett.

1

2

3

0

Tamale Central

0

2

2

0

Yendi Local

0

1

1

0

Salaga Local

0

4

4

2

Gambaga Local

0

1

1

0

Total

7

26

33

11

STATION TYPE OF ESCAPE TOTAL RECAPTURE

29

Fig 12

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.

0

1

2

3

4

5N

o

.

o

f

I

n

m

a

t

e

s

Prison

Prison & Number of Escapes

Internal

External

30

Age Distribution

Table

38

12-15

15

16-18

30

Total

45

Educational Background

Table 39

ILLITERATES

6

PRIMARY

22

JHS

16

SHS

1

TOTAL

45

Religious Background

Table

40 MOSLEMS

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 ENTRY

12

CAUSING HARM

-

THREAT OF DEATH

-

POSSESSION OF FIRE ARMS

-

ATTEMPTED MURDER

-

MANSLAUGHTER

-

ATTEMPTED RAPE

-

ABETMENT

-

NARCOTIC

-

CAUSING DAMAGE

3

CONSPIRACY

5

INDECENT ASSAULT

2

INCEST

-

DEFILEMENT

12

31

Type of Offenders

Table 42 1ST OFFENDERS 45 2ND OFFENDERS NIL RECIDIVIST NIL TOTAL 45

Rehabilitation and Reformation Programmes:

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

FRAUD 1 OTHERS 5 TOTAL 74

32

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.

33

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 eighty-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 Course in Drum Majorship at the Ghana

Armed Forces Central Band to improve on their performance.

COMMERCIAL UNIT

During the reviewing year, the tailoring section of the Unit remained busy. They sewed 62pairs of trousers and

shirt s for a Security Company, 22p airs of trousers and tops for Centre for Skills Training and 65pairs 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 chairs and 30 office desk s for Omega School was ongoing.

COMMUNICATION UNIT

The Unit 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 information 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.

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 -

34

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 the National Prisons Service in

South Sudan as well as visits from Madam Agnetta Jo hnson and Christer Isaksson of Swedish Corrections and

Probation Services.

35

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. Joseph 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 , Mr. 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:

36

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 prisons countrywide.

Prisons HeadquartersP. O. Box 129, Accra - Ghana

Tel: 0302 777 057 / 760 093-4 / 777 830Fax: 0302 772 865

Annual Report 2013