Director-General of Ghana Prisons Service takes Oath of Office

President John Dramani Mahama yesterday swore in the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, and announced his appointment of the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana National Fire Service Chief Fire Officer, emphasising the critical role of the security agencies in safeguarding the nation’s stability and prosperity. 

While the President administered the necessary oaths to the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, and handed her the instrument of office, he explained that the Chief Fire Officer, Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, and the Comptroller-General, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCI) Samuel Basintali Amadu, were to serve in acting capacities until their respective governing boards had approved them.

They were therefore not sworn in.

The ceremony, held at the Jubilee House, was attended by the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, senior government officials, officers from the security services and some family members of the security heads.  

Confidence

President Mahama expressed confidence in the new leaders, describing them as seasoned professionals with a proven track record.

“Through their years of service, they have demonstrated exceptional commitment, strong discipline, and the ability to navigate complex security and public safety challenges,” he said.  

President Mahama underscored the importance of security institutions in maintaining public safety, upholding justice, and fostering national development.

“The true strength of any nation is not measured solely by its economy or the efficiency of its institutions but also by the security and safety of its citizens,” he said.  

Shared mission

The President highlighted the interconnected mandates of the three institutions, noting their shared mission to protect lives, uphold justice and maintain public order.

“Our security agencies are not just enforcers of the law; they are protectors of human dignity, facilitators of justice, and guarantors of our national stability,” he said.  

Addressing the rising incidence of fires across the country, President Mahama called for a proactive approach to fire prevention and response.

“Last year alone, 6,436 fire incidents were recorded, underscoring the urgent need for a fire service that is well-equipped, proactive and responsive,” he noted.  

He charged the newly appointed Chief Fire Officer to prioritise public education, emergency readiness, and strict enforcement of fire safety laws.

“Your leadership must focus on prevention through public education, emergency response readiness and strict enforcement. Safety must be effective, and safety laws enforced without compromise,” he said. 

Prison reforms

President Mahama also outlined his vision for modernising the Ghana Prison Service, urging the new Director General to transform prisons into centres of reformation rather than mere confinement.

“True justice is not only about punishing wrongdoing but also about offering a path to redemption,” he said.  

The President announced the introduction of the Prison Service Parole Regulations, which would soon be laid before Parliament as part of efforts to rehabilitate inmates and reduce overcrowding.

“Rehabilitation programmes must be strengthened with expanded education, skills training, and counselling to equip inmates with the tools to rebuild their lives,” he added.  

Border security

For the Ghana Immigration Service, President Mahama tasked the Comptroller General with intensifying intelligence operations and modernising border surveillance.

“Surveillance at all entry and exit points must be strengthened and modernised to detect and prevent illegal activity,” he said.  

The President also called for accelerated digitalisation of visa processing and permit issuance, as well as deeper inter-agency collaboration to combat transnational crimes such as drug trafficking.  

President Mahama extended his gratitude to the outgoing heads of the three institutions for their years of dedicated service.

“They have led their institutions with commitment and played a vital role in strengthening the institutions they have led,” he said.  

President Mahama urged the new leaders to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. 

“The task ahead is great, but so is the opportunity to lead with integrity and purpose. Uphold the law, inspire your officers, and work tirelessly to strengthen the institutions you now command. Ghana counts on you,” he said.  

President Mahama added, “May your leadership bring progress. May your service bring honour, and may God bless our security services and our beloved nation, Ghana”.

Opportunity to serve

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, the newly sworn-in Director General of the Ghana Prison Service described the appointments as both an honour and a significant responsibility.

“We are deeply thankful for the trust and confidence reposed in us by His Excellency the President.

This is a remarkable opportunity to serve our nation, and we are committed to working tirelessly to realize the government’s vision for a progressive and humane prison system,” she said.  

She highlighted the collective experience of the new leaders, noting their decades of service across various roles within their respective institutions.

“We bring to this role decades of experience, spanning from operational roles at the very bottom of the hierarchy to management positions.

We have witnessed the evolution of our services and are fully aware of the efforts invested so far to achieve world-class standards in service delivery,” she said.