Prisons officer interdicted over alleged attempt to smuggle Indian hemp into Kete-Krachi prison

The Ghana Prisons Service has interdicted a senior officer after he was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle a substance suspected to be Indian hemp into the Kete-Krachi Local Prison.

The officer, identified as No. 8566 Chief Officer Michael Osei-Bonsu, was arrested on Friday, June 19, following routine security checks conducted by officers on duty before the commencement of his night shift.

According to the Service, vigilant officers detected and retrieved the suspected narcotic substance at the prison gate, leading to the officer's immediate arrest and subsequent handover to the Kete-Krachi District Police for investigations.

“The officer was immediately handed over to the Kete-Krachi District Police for further investigations. He was subsequently arraigned before the Kete-Krachi District Magistrate Court and has been remanded into custody for two weeks,” the statement dated June 23, read in part.

The statement added that the case has been adjourned to July 8, while both criminal and internal disciplinary proceedings continue.

“The Ghana Prisons Service wishes to assure the general public that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related offences and other contrabands including mobile phones,” the statement noted.

The Service said it remains committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, discipline and security in the discharge of its mandate.

It also commended the officers whose vigilance led to the detection of the suspected contraband and reiterated its resolve to prevent the introduction of prohibited items into prison facilities across the country.

The Ghana Prisons Service further indicated that it would continue to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that persons involved in criminal activities are dealt with in accordance with the law.