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04.12.2018 Crime & Punishment

Prisons Service Proposes An Endowment Fund For Ex-convicts

Prisons Service Proposes An Endowment Fund For Ex-convicts
04.12.2018 LISTEN

The Ghana Prisons Service is making a critical proposal to government, philanthropists, individuals and organizations to help set up an endowment fund to support ex-convicts who have received some vocational and technical training.

Director of Prisons (DOP) Josephine Fredua-Agyemang, the National President of Prison Ladies Association (PRILAS), who proposed this, said many prisoners who learned a trade while in custody ended up becoming redundant in society after their release from prison

Against this background, she made a strong case for the ex-convicts arguing that it was important for a reliable fund to be put in place as seed money and start-up tools for such people to enable them start businesses and live meaningful lives.

Mrs Fredua-Agyeman was speaking to the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of an annual get-together and thanksgiving service organized by the Ashanti Regional branch of the Association in Kumasi.

The event which was held under the theme: 'Women as agents for change', brought together female officers from all prisons in the region to thank God for His mercies throughout the year.

DOP Freduah-Agyemang said many of the prisoners qualified in their chosen vocations and required just a little push to face life after prison.

She said creating an enabling environment to integrate them into society is a shared responsibility and urged the public not to stigmatize them.

The PRILAS National President who also doubles as the Director in Charge of Welfare of the Prison Service, called on government to increase the feeding fee for prisoners.

She said the current amount of GH¢ 1.80 a day per prisoner is inadequate and must be increased to ensure the prisoners were well fed.

She applauded members of PRILAS for the important roles they were playing as care givers and urged them to be professional in the performance of their duties.

Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (ACP) Joana Fofo Tachie-Otoo, the Regional President of the Association, commended members for their commitment to duty in the face of challenges as female officers.

---GNA

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