St Luke Anglican Church at Kwashieman in Accra commended prison officers for their work in caring for and rehabilitating inmates.
He acknowledged that the work of prison officers in managing the facility and supporting inmates through their period of incarceration was a daunting one that needed recgonition and support.
The church, led by its resident pastor, Rev. Fr Joseph Nartey, made the remarks during a donation programme organised for inmates at Nsawam Prison, in the Eastern Region last Saturday.
The church presented food items and toiletries to support the upkeep of the inmates.
Rev. Fr Nartey encouraged the inmates not to lose hope and urged them to remain positive about their future.
Rev Fr Nartey also encouraged inmates at a Ghana Prisons facility to remain hopeful and to make good use of the opportunities available to them while in prison. commending
Rehabilitation
Recieving the items, Chief Superintendent of Prisons, Rejoice Adzakpa, said the work of the Ghana Prisons Service moved beyond keeping inmates in custody until theycompleted their sentences.
She said the service had introduced various programmes aimed at improving the conditions of inmates and preparing them for life after prison.
“The Prison Service is evolving. It is no longer just about bringing a person here and keeping the person until the sentence is completed.
We now have programmes that help to make the prison a better place,” she said.
Mrs Adzakpa mentioned the Prison Improvement and Rehabilitation Programme (PIRP) as one of the initiatives supporting the development and rehabilitation of inmates.
She said the programmes were intended to give inmates opportunities to acquire skills and receive support that could assist their reintegration into society after serving their sentences.
Mrs Adzakpa said continued support from churches and other organisations could complement the efforts of the Prisons Service to improve rehabilitation and prepare inmates for their return to society.
Support
She expressed appreciation to the church for visiting the inmates and showing concern for their welfare.
“It is not everybody who puts aside their other pressing issues to come and visit us.
We are very grateful for the support and the love you have shown us,” she said.
