NGO presents items to police towards upkeep of cell inmates

Dormaa Ahenkro (B/A), April 30, GNA - Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders (ACRO) a non-governmental organisation on Friday presented assorted items worth 2.5 million cedis to the Dormaa Police for the upkeep of cell inmates.

The items comprised 10 blankets, plastic containers, disinfectants, air fresheners, mosquito repellents and loaves of bread. The Executive Director of ACRO Mr Osei Bonsu said his organization made the presentation in response to the impression that Police and Prison cells should not be seen as for punishment only but also as places where reformation could begin.

He noted that care and rehabilitation of convicts and suspects should not remain the sole responsibility of the police but should extend into society where well-meaning persons as well as religious and opinion leaders would pool resources to make life in the cells more acceptable to the inmates.

Mr Bonsu advised cell inmates n ot to view gifts and visits as sources of encouragement for them to repeat their offences. Receiving them, Inspector Kofi Owusu Takyi commended the NGO and appealed to other groups and individuals to show concern for suspects in cells through gifts, prayers and other forms of support. He expressed the hope that the items would be utilised judiciously to raise the living standards of suspects at the station.