Rosa Foundation Advocates for Prison Reform and Supports Akuse Inmates

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Akuse: Rosa Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has made a significant call for reform in Ghana's custodial sentencing system to focus more on rehabilitation. The organisation is pushing for a comprehensive overhaul of the prison system, aiming to implement alternative sentencing options for non-violent offenders. These alternatives include community service, probation, and electronic monitoring, which are seen as vital steps towards establishing a more effective and humane prison policy.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Foundation's appeal coincided with a donation of food items valued at GHC45,000 to the inmates of Akuse Prisons. This gesture was made to commemorate the birthday of the Foundation's founder, Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari, which was on January 1, 2025. In addition to the food items, the Foundation also donated an undisclosed amount to cover the medical expenses of a female inmate.

Speaking on behalf of Madam Mogtari, Ms. Della Russel Ocloo, a representative of the Rosa Foundation, highlighted the potential benefits of the proposed reforms. She pointed out that these changes could help alleviate overcrowding in prisons while providing more constructive solutions for non-violent offenders. Ms. Russel Ocloo emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration as essential components of a just society, reaffirming the organisation's commitment to supporting incarcerated individuals.

The donation, while modest, was described by Ms. Russel Ocloo as a meaningful contribution to the physical and mental well-being of the inmates. She also encouraged the inmates to use their time in prison for personal growth and to participate in educational programs, preparing for successful reintegration into society. The Foundation expressed its belief that everyone deserves a second chance and is committed to helping inmates turn adversity into an opportunity for success.

The inmates, particularly the female inmates, expressed their gratitude for the donation. They also appealed for additional support in obtaining fabrics and materials for producing fans, a vocational activity they engage in to supplement their feeding grants. Many inmates noted the lack of visits from relatives since their incarceration, underscoring the challenges they face.

Observers have criticised the government's daily feeding grant of GHC1.80 per inmate as insufficient to meet basic nutritional needs. Madam Owusu Annor, an Assistant Director of Prisons, commended the Rosa Foundation for its thoughtful gesture. She acknowledged the resource constraints faced by prison officials and appealed to individuals and organisations to extend their support in aiding the reformation of inmates.

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