Ashanti Regional Prisons Command secures land at Asante Bekwai Nsuaem for expansion

The Ashanti Regional Prisons Command, under the leadership of DDP James B. Mwinyelle (Ing), has secured a parcel of land at Asante Bekwai Nsuaem to expand its correctional infrastructure.

The initiative aims to tackle overcrowding and enhance rehabilitation programs, with a focus on modernized agriculture.

The confirmation came on Monday, May 26, 2025, during a meeting at the Dadease Chief’s Palace. Sub-chiefs and community leaders gathered to discuss a proposal submitted by the Ghana Prisons Service. The development aligns with a commitment made by the Director General of Prisons, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq), during her induction ceremony, where she pledged to prioritize agriculture and support national food security efforts.

Addressing Overcrowding and Boosting Agriculture

Speaking to the traditional leaders, Regional Commander DDP James B. Mwinyelle outlined the vision for the facility, which includes expanded dormitories, a vocational training center, and an emphasis on agricultural development.

“This expansion project is going to pay attention to boosting Agric and its commercialization together with inmates’ reintegration,” DDP Mwinyelle emphasized.

Community Benefits
Chief Superintendent of Prisons James Adu-Mensah Danfoku (Rtd), who serves as the Ashanti Regional President of the Retired Prison Officers Association of Ghana (REPOAG), was part of the delegation to the palace. He assured the chiefs that the establishment of the Settlement Camp Prison would bring multiple benefits to the community, including improved security, employment opportunities, and economic growth for local businesses.

“Nananom, the Ghana Prisons Service will bring about a positive turn around by renting rooms, joining other security agencies to safeguard the Bekwai municipality and the Dadease and Nsuame stool areas, we will also make sure the young men and women who are eligible and are ready to serve in the service are given a chance,” Danfoku reiterated.

He cited the example of the Duayaw Nkwanta Settlement Camp Prison, which led to economic growth and the presence of additional security agencies in the area.

Chief’s Vision for the Prison and Adum Mineral Water

During the engagement, Nana Twum Barimah, Chief of Asante Bekwai Dadease, commended the Ghana Prisons Service for the initiative and proposed the establishment of a water production plant alongside the prison.

“Commander, I am grateful to you and your team for taking up this bold stance to set up a facility here and I am also glad you produce your own water so I will suggest that, as you set up the prison, also consider setting up a water production plant to produce Adum Mineral water, so my good people can patronize and also help sell,” Nana Twum Barimah stated.

He further urged cooperation from farmers and landowners, noting the urgency of reducing overcrowding in existing facilities.

“Thanks to Commander, I had the opportunity to visit the Central Prison and truly they would need to decongest by setting up other facilities so I am very much ready and also appealing to farmers on the said land not to panic but be cooperative enough for this development.”

The Regional Commander was accompanied by Regional Public Relations Officer CSP Richard Bukari, CSP David Nyame (Regional Estates Officer), DSP Prince Ayim, and other selected officers.