The Young African Women Congress (YAWC) Network – Ghana Chapter has donated a variety of essential items to the female department of the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
The items included 25 bags of 5kg rice, five gallons of cooking oil, 10 cartons of soft drinks, and 100 bags of natural mineral water.
Additionally, the group provided seven boxes of soap, five bags of washing powder, 11 boxes of sanitary pads, 35 packs of toilet rolls, 40 bedsheets, three bags of used clothing, three boxes of toothpaste, one box of toothbrushes, 10 packets of thread and 10 packets of combs.
As part of the visit on Monday, September 22, the group, comprising about 20 members, organized a love feast for the inmates.
The women were treated to a variety of local dishes, including fried rice with chicken and salad, jollof rice, kenkey with fish and shito, as well as banku with fish.
The YAWC Network members also used the opportunity to share motivational messages with the inmates, encouraging them to live peacefully with one another, embrace forgiveness and support each other’s growth.
They further inspired the women to remain hopeful and trust in God, reminding them that a brighter future is possible, regardless of their current circumstances.
Value of life
At a brief handing over ceremony last Monday, President of the YAWC Network – Ghana Chapter, Asana Pegobelgo emphasized the organization’s belief in the inherent value and potential of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.
She stated that the donation to the female inmates of the Nsawam Medium Security Prison was a message of hope, love and solidarity, reminding the women that they are seen, valued and not forgotten.
Madam Pegobelgo highlighted the spiritual and moral responsibility of giving, encouraging other organizations to extend similar support.
"We believe that, you know, every life has value and every person has the power to rebuild and rise again, no matter what the challenges they face. So, I want them to know that they haven't been forgotten and they are seen, they are valued and they are loved," she said.
She noted that many inmates are there for minor offenses and possess untapped potential and mentioned plans to return with legal support to review individual cases.
She called on other organisations to join in offering practical help for the inmates' rehabilitation and reintegration.
Rescue Mission
Founder and Executive Chairman of the YAWC Network, Mr Daniel Osei Tuffuor emphasized the moral and spiritual duty to care for the vulnerable, referencing biblical teachings as a call to action.
He announced the launch of a new initiative dubbed the "Rescue Mission" as part of the network’s outreach to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
He said the project aims to review the cases of vulnerable female inmates—many of whom are imprisoned due to lack of legal representation or inability to pay fines.
Mr Osei Tuffuor explained that the "Rescue Mission" will involve assembling a legal team to revisit dockets, advocate for sentence reductions, or secure the release of those unjustly detained.
Some inmates, he noted, are serving time simply because they could not afford legal fees or meet bail and fine conditions.
He mentioned that though the initiative is spearheaded by YAWC Ghana, its importance has attracted interest from YAWC’s global governing council, which may extend support to ensure its success.
"This is a Ghana Chapter project. We are in different countries. We are in over 10 countries across the continent. We have even started some diaspora chapters in the US, UK. But because of the veracity of this project, the global governing council want to come in to also support it so that it will come to light," he stressed.
He said the "Rescue Mission" is expected to be officially launched in the coming days, with media engagement planned to raise awareness and drive support.
Mr Osei Tuffuor further encouraged corporate entities, religious institutions, and individuals to support inmates across Ghana—not only at Nsawam—and to view such efforts as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Appreciation
Receiving the items, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, ASP Millicent Amankwah, on behalf of the Nsawam Female Prison leadership and inmates, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the YAWC Network – Ghana Chapter for their donation.
She acknowledged the impact the items would have on the inmates’ welfare, particularly in areas such as food, sanitation and hygiene.
She offered prayers for blessings upon the donors and encouraged YAWC and other organisations to continue such support, noting that the prison is always open to future visits and assistance.
YAWC Network
The YAWC Network is a non-profit organisation, made up of a confederation of young women of African descent living in Africa and in the diaspora who seek to be empowered and be themselves, change-makers for leadership and development on the continent.
At the heart of its mandate, the Network indulges itself in the mobilisation of women from the grassroots level for leadership and development through advocacy, training and projects.
Since its inception in 2016, the Network, through its annual global convocation, has impacted thousands of young women of African descent who are living in Africa and in the diaspora, equipping them with the requisite skills and training needed for them to be agents of change in their immediate communities to engender development and progress.
