FOREWARD

The Ghana Prisons Service made great strides in the performance of its mandatory functions of
ensuring safe custody and welfare of inmates while providing opportunities for their reformation and
rehabilitation before discharge. Healthcare delivery to inmates saw a significant improvement as
provisions for inmates to access healthcare services both within and outside the prison walls, were made.
This, coupled with increased production of vegetables by the farming stations to improve inmates
nutritional status, resulted in reducing the mortality rate of prisoners significantly.
Due to the determination of the Prisons Service to transform the existing penal system into an effective,
humane and a safe reformatory one, great emphasis was placed on developing the human resource to
ensure high professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness. A significant number of officers were given
the opportunity to undertake academic and professional courses to upgrade their knowledge and skills, A
few also attended international seminars to share practices with the outside world and also acquaint
themselves with current trends in prison management. These opportunities translated into improving
performance on the job to an appreciable level.
The inmates educational programmes rolled out in the Medium Security Prison in Nsawam and some of
the Central Prisons across the country continued to receive the desired attention from the Service and the
Government. Performance of the students at both the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE)
and the West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) has been good since the start
of the programme.
In the area of rehabilitation of prisoners, the Service did not relent in its efforts to provide for and
encourage as many inmates as possible to access the skills training in carpentry, tailoring, soap making,
catering, block-laying and concreting, barbering and Information Communication Technology (ICT). It
is envisaged that the acquisition of such employable skills would make the beneficiaries easily make
economic adjustment when released into the conventional society, thus, helping to reduce recidivism.
Successful engagement of prisoners in agriculture was pursued as farming stations continued their drive
in producing food, in pursuance of the policy of the Prisons Service to supplement government ration
with agricultural products produced internally.
In the midst of all these, our prisons continued to be bedevilled with the problem of overcrowding. The
increasing number of remands and persons sentenced by the courts on daily basis to serve various prison
terms, led to an overwhelming congestion in the prisons. This calls for extensive reforms in the
sentencing policies of the country to consider other alternatives to imprisonment. It is highly envisaged
that while committing persons convicted of felonies to prison terms and working out appropriate noncustodian sentences for those convicted of misdemeanours, our prison would be decongested for effective
sentence planning and management.
While waiting for a greater display of public goodwill towards the Ghana Prisons Service in the area of
continuous support for the various programmes being run in the Prisons, I wish to express our deepest
gratitude to the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of the Interior, our colleagues and other stakeholders
in the criminal justice system for their invaluable assistance. I am equally grateful to the various
1

religious organizations, corporate bodies, non-governmental organizations and civil society groups that
continued to contribute towards the realization of the vision of the Service. The role of the media in our
achievements is also highly appreciated.
Finally, to the rank and file of the Ghana Prisons Service whose dedication to duty, fortitude in times of
difficulties and commitment to the course of the Service have helped in bringing the Service this far, I
say thank you very much.

MATILDA BAFFOUR-AWUAH
DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF PRISONS

GENERAL REVIEW
The Service remained committed to its statutory function of safe custody and welfare of prisoners.
It also pursued reformation and rehabilitation programmes aimed at facilitating effective re-entry of
prisoners after their release from prison and preventing re-offending behaviour among ex-convicts.
The Service remained focused on its policy of staff development by providing opportunities for both
superior and subordinate officers to attend various academic and professional course, seminars and
workshops for their personal and career development and improved performance.
The inmates educational programmes in the prisons received further boost through the enrolment of
more prisoners who showed interest in formal education. During the period under review, 45 inmates sat
for the Basic Education Certificate Examination and obtained 100% pass. It is envisaged that the
momentum would be maintained and the successes chalked will whip up interest and encourage more
prisoners to enrol at both the Junior and Senior High School levels.
Feasibility studies were conducted during the year under review in six regions of the country to network
the prisons to enhance data collection on prisoners. As a result of this, a number of officers received
training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to equip them with the relevant
knowledge and skills in computer programmes.
The age-old problem of overcrowding persisted, especially in the walled prisons. There was a slight
increase in prisoner population at the rate of 0.7% during the reporting year. The average monthly
prisoner population was 13,487 as against 13,396 recorded in 2011. The Service remained focused on
facilitating and coordinating activities of the Judicial Review Committee dubbed Justice for All
Programme which led to the release of 49 remand prisoners who have out-stayed their commitment
warrants while 62 were bailed. The average daily remand population stood at 3,027 as against 3,042 in
the previous year, representing an annual reduction rate of 0.5%. The number of remands in custody
constituted 22.4 % of the total prisoner population.
The Service vigorously pursued its agricultural policy of increasing food production to supplement
government expenditure in feeding the inmates of the countrys prisons. The daily feeding rate of
GH1.80 GP per a prisoner is inadequate.
The Service took delivery of five hundred/500 RLG mobile phones as support from the Ghana
Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), twenty-eight/28 One Touch and RLG brands
of mobile phones from the National Election Security Task Force and thirty/30 cordless desktop phones
from Vodafone Telecommunications Company.
The Chaplaincy Unit, in collaboration with the various religious groups, intensified its religious
programmes in the prisons. Recognised religious bodies, especially Christian and Islamic groups,
continued to fellowship with inmates and also made presentations of food items and used clothing to
prisoners.
3

The Service saw much improvement in the health needs of both inmates and staff. The nutritional value
of inmates ration was enriched through the cultivation and supply of vegetables by the Agric Unit of the
Service.
The year saw a vibrant Public Relations Unit which worked hard in educating the general public about
the Service policies and projects in relation to its core functions through the cooperation and support of
both the print and the electronic media. The Unit also maintained good working relationship between the
Prisons Service and other stakeholders in the Criminal Justice Administration as well as NonGovernmental Organisations.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Ghana Prisons Service is tasked with the safe custody of convicted persons from the Courts as well
as the provision of Reformation and Rehabilitation Programmes for their successful resettlement into
society. Our cherished values are humanity, vigilance and fortitude.
VISION
To transform the Prisons in Ghana into highly efficient correctional facilities managed by a well trained
and motivated staff.

LEGISLATIVE MANDATE

Prisons regulations, 1958(L.I. 412)

Prisons Standing Orders, 1960
Prisons(Amendment) Regulation, 1970 (L.I 648)
Prisons(Declaration of Prisons) Instrument, 1971 (E.I 22)
Prisons Service Decree, 1972, NRCD 46
Ghana Prisons Service scheme of Service Administration of 17th January, 1989
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana

GOVERNING BODY
Prisons Service Council
The Ghana Prisons Service is governed by the Prisons Service Council which is an advisory and
supervisory body. The Council advises the President on matters of policy in relation to the organisation
and maintenance of the prison system in Ghana.
It is also responsible for ensuring the efficient administration of the Prisons Service and the promotion of
superior officers up to the rank of Assistant Director of Prisons.
4

MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL

By provisions of the 1992 Constitution, membership of the Council is as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

A Chairman appointed by the President

The Minister for the Interior
The Director-General of Prisons
A medical practitioner nominated by the Ghana Medical Association
A lawyer nominated by the Ghana Bar Association
The Attorney-General or his representative
A representative from the Ministry or Department of State responsible for Social Welfare
A representative from religious bodies
Two members of the Prisons Service, one of whom shall be of a junior rank.
Two other members appointed by the President.

THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTED THE COUNCIL

1.

MR. BENSON NUTSUKPUI (GHANA BAR ASSOCIATION)

AG. CHAIRMAN

2.

HON. DR. BENJAMIN KUNBUOR

MEMBER

3.

MR. MICHAEL K. BANSAH (DIR. GEN. OF PRISONS)

MEMBER

4.

PROF. JACOB PLANGE-RHULE (GHANA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION)

MEMBER

5.

HON. EBO BARTON-ODRO

MEMBER

(MP, DEP. ATTORNEY GEN. AND MINISTER FOR JUSTICE)

7.

MR. STEPHEN TAMPURI ADONGO (DIR. OF SOCIAL WELFARE)

MEMBER

8.

CSP. ANDREWS K. DZOKOTO (REP. OF SUPERIOR OFFICERS)

MEMBER

9.

CO. JOHANN NARTEY (REP. OF SUBORDINATE OFFICERS)

MEMBER

10. DASEBRE KWEBU EWUSI VII (REP. OF NATIONAL HOUSE OF CHIEFS)

MEMBER

11. REV. STEPHEN WENGAM (PRESIDENTS APPOINTEE)

MEMBER

12. REJOICE JULIET AHIABLE (PRESIDENTS APPOINTEE)

MEMBER

PRISON ESTABLISHMENTS
The Prisons Service comprises forty-five/45 establishments as follows:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.

Prisons Headquarters
Prison Officers Training School
Senior Correctional Centre, (formerly Ghana Borstal Institute)
Seven/7 Central Prisons
Fifteen/15 Local Prisons
Seven/7 Female Prisons
Three/3 open Camp Prisons
Nine/9 Agricultural Settlement Camp Prisons
One/1 Medium Security Prison
One/1 Maximum Security Prison

Below is a map showing the location of the various establishments

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The Ghana Prisons Service requested for an amount of Eighty-Six Million, Seven Hundred and
Seventeen Thousand, Five Hundred and Four Ghana Cedis, One Pesewa(GH86,717,504.01) for its
operational activities in the 2012 fiscal year but Sixty-three Million, Four Hundred and Thirty- seven
Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy Ghana cedis (GH63,437,970.00) was approved. However, an
amount of Eighty-seven Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Thirty-eight
Ghana Cedis, Forty three Pesewas (GH87,267,638.43) was released.
An amount of Thirty-five Million, Seventy-three Thousand, One Hundred and Eighty-five Ghana Cedis
(GH35,073,185.00) earmarked for Staff Compensation was supplemented with Thirty-nine million,
Nine Hundred and Twenty-three Thousand, Seven Hundred Ghana Cedis Fifty-two pesewas
(39,923,900.52) bringing the total to release to Seventy-four million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-six
Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-five Ghana Cedis (GH74,996,885.52). This was as a result of
payment of salary arrears and other commitments.
Out of an approved vote of Thirteen Million, One Hundred Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety-two
Ghana Cedis (GH13,100,492.00) for Goods and Services, Twelve Million, Two Hundred and Fiftyseven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty-two Ghana Cedis, Seventeen Pesewas (GH12,257,952.17)
was released for disbursement, resulting in a shortfall of Eight Hundred and Forty-two Thousand, Five
Hundred and Thirty-nine Ghana Cedis Eighty-three Pesewas (GH842,539.83). This shortfall was due to
the non-release of funds for November and December.
Although, an amount of Fifteen Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand, Two Hundred and
Ninety-Three Ghana Cedis (GH15,264,293.00) was approved on Assets, only Twelve Thousand, Eight
hundred Ghana Cedis, Seventy-four pesewas (GH12,800.74) was released. The table below shows the
budget figures under the various headings.
Table 1
ITEM

AMOUNT
REQUESTED

APPROVED
BUDGET
GH

AMOUNT
RELEASED GH

SUPPLEMENTARY
/
SHORTFALL GH
(Supplementary)

COMPENSATION

55,337,291.41

35,073,185.00

74,996,885.52

39,923,700.52

GOODS AND
SERVICES

22,741,574.00

13,100,492.00

12,257,952.17

ASSETS

8,638,638.60

(Shortfall)
842,539.83
15,264,293.00

12,800.74

(Shortfall)
15,251,492.26

TOTAL

86,717,504.01

63,437,970.00

87,267,638.43

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Recruitment and Training
A total of 1,500 new officers made up of 159 Superior and 1,341 Subordinates were recruited and
trained. A process which commenced in the year 2011.
To ensure professional efficiency, the Service projected the following strategic development plan during
the ensuing year:

Publish Academic training programme that will focus on more practical areas of personnel
development.
Release officers for short courses on capacity building.
Carry out In-Service training on Professional Ethics and Duties for Secretaries.
Carry out competency-based training for Correctional Diagnostic Centre Staff.
Run Staff Functions Courses for Staff Officers.
Organise Special Workshops on management of Juvenile Offender for Core Group of
Senior Correctional Centre officers.

Staff Training
Twenty-one 21 officers benefited from various courses externally either through study leave or
sponsorship to upgrade themselves academically.
Manpower
The total staff strength of the Service for the period under review stood at Five Thousand, Eight Hundred
and Ninety-eight (5,898) as against Five Thousand and Twenty-five (5,025) the previous year. This total
comprised Four Thousand and Twenty-nine (4,029) males and One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixtynine (1,869) females. Of this figure, Six Hundred and Ten (610) were superior officers while the
remaining Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty-eight (5,288) were subordinates.
The details are as shown in the tables below:

Superior Officers
Table 2
ITEM
Male
Female
Total

NUMBER
490
120
610

Subordinate Officers
Table 3
ITEM

NUMBER

Male
Female
Total

3,539
1,749
5,288

Total Number of Officers

Table 4
ITEM

NUMBER

Male
Female
Total

4,029
1,869
5,898

Wastage
Table 5
ITEMS
Compulsory
Retirement
Voluntary
Retirement
Resignation
Removal
Desertion
Dismissal
Death
Medical
Ground
Total

MALE
58

FEMALE
6

TOTAL
64

5
15
1

2
1
2
-

7
1
17
1

86

12

98

10

INMATES EDUCATION
The Third Batch of 45 inmates of the Reformers Junior High Schools in Nsawam Male and Female
Prisons, Kumasi Central Prison, Tamale Central Prison, as well as Senior Correctional Centre sat for the
BECE and were all successful. 33 out of the 38 inmates presented by the Kumasi Central, Kumasi
Female and Ho Female Prisons for the NVTI Proficiency Test were successful with four distinctions. The
remaining 5 who were from the Ho Female Prison were awaiting their results.

The second batch of their counterparts of the Senior High, had written the WASSCE and were awaiting
their results.
Getfund Classroom Block Projects
Approval has been given by Government for GETFUND to release money for the construction of a
number of classrooms at Nsawam, Ankaful Main Camp and Wa Prisons to ease the acute accommodation
problems facing the schools.

The Service received a supply of educational materials such as Textbooks and exercise books for the
various Junior High and Senior High Schools from the Ministry of Education.
Challenges

The Educational programmes notwithstanding the successes chalked were faced with challenges
such as inadequate classroom facilities, inadequate supply of materials, and lack of motivation for
facilitators.

11

AGRICULTURE
A total of 1,083.1acres, out of the 1,271.3 acres targeted, were cultivated with various crops as indicated
in the table below.

Table 6
S/NO.

1.
2.
3.

4.
5.

6.

CROP TYPE

TARGET
(ACREAGE)
446.5

TARGET
ACHIEVED
(ACREAGE)
399.5

Cereal (Maize, Rice

and Sorghum)
Legumes (Groundnut
and Cowpea)
Plantation (Oil Palm,
Cocoa, Cashew Mango
and Moringa)
Root and Tuber (Yam
and Cassava)
Vegetables (Pepper,
Okra, Tomatoes and
Garden eggs)
Woodlot (Teak and
Acacia)
Total

YIELD

4,218 bags

46

36

7,914 kg

559.3

504.3

104,167.8 kgs

44

54.3

35,362 kgs

92.5

60

14,762 kgs

29

29

1,217.3

1,083.1

Livestock production made a significant progress although Sheep, cattle, and poultry suffered heavy
mortality resulting in shortfalls

12

The table below shows the detail

Table 7
S/NO.

LIVESTOCK

1.

Sheep

TARGET
SET
251

TARGET
ACHIEVED
224

2.

Cattle

36

30

3.

Pigs

489

406

4.

Rabbits

156

206

5.

Goats

33

33

6.

Grasscutter

202

90

7.

Poultry

400

301

Financial Target Achieved

Total Revenue

GH462,558.69

Total Expenditure

GH171,851.57

Profit

Total Revenue Total Expenditure

GH462,558.69 171,851.57

GH290,706.94

Profit

With a total expenditure of GH171,851.57, the revenue generated was GH462,558.69, leaving a profit
of GH290,706.94.

CHALLENGES
The Agric sector however, faced the following challenges:

Irregular rainfall pattern due to climate change

Very low level of mechanization

13

Frequent breakdown of tractors

Lack of drying and storage facilities

Lack of tractor and power tiller operators and mechanics

Untimely supply of subsidized fertilizers.

MANAGEMENT OF PRISONERS
Prisoner Population
The average prisoner population for the year 2012 stood at 13,487 as against 13,396 in 2011.
The figure reflects an annual population increase of 0.7%.
The table below shows a four-year monthly population figures of prisoners.

14

Table 8
AVERAGE MONTHLY DAILY
POPULATION

MONTH

January

2012
13,567

2011
13,252

2010
13,601

2009
14.071

February

13,557

13,300

13,795

13,746

March

13,396

13,267

13,424

13,613

April

13,421

13,431

13,469

13,631

May

13,407

13,406

13,495

13,735

June

13,397

13,347

13,567

13918

July

13,451

13,334

13,534

14,123

August

13,470

13,468

13,575

14,171

September

13,504

13,493

13,501

13,999

October

13,546

13,474

13,414

13,300

November

13,525

13,479

13,327

13,460

December
Average Daily
Population

13,501

13,527

13,384

13,573

13,507

13,778

13,487

13,396

15

CONVICT POPULATION
The average daily convict population for the reporting year was 10,448 representing an
annual convict growth
rate of 0.9% .Of the figure, 10,275 representing 98.3% were male convicts while 177 representing
1.7% were female convicts. The female to male convicts ratio for the year was 1:58

Tables 9, 10 and 11 show the statistical distribution of the convict

population.
TOTAL CONVICT
POPULATION
Table 9

MONTH
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER

MONTHLY
DAILY
AVERAGE
POPULATI
ON
10,449
10,429
10,297
10,323
10,317
10,358
10,440
10,488
10,596
10,583
10,577
10,519

16

Daily Average Convict Lock-up

MALE CONVICT POPULATION

Table 10
MONTHLY
MONTH
DAILY
AVERAGE
POPULATION
JANUARY
10,267
FEBRUARY
10,252
MARCH
10,127
APRIL
10,155
MAY
10,139
JUNE
10,182
JULY
10,263
AUGUST
10,313
SEPTEMBER
10,417
OCTOBER
10,409
NOVEMBER
10,396
DECEMBER
10,385
Daily Average Male Convicts Population
- 10,275

10,448

FEMALE CONVICT
POPULATION
Table 11
MONTH

JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER

MONTHLY
DAILY
AVERAGE
POPULATION
182
177
171
177
178
176
178
175
178
173
181
177

Daily Average Female Convict

Population - 177

REMAND POPULATION
The daily average remand population for 2012 was 3,027 representing an annual
remand reduction
rate of 0.5% . Of the total remand figure, 2,960 representing 98.0% were male remands while 70
representing 2.0% were female remands.

17

Tables 12, 13 & 14 show the statistical distribution of remand population for the year
2012.

Table 12

MONTH
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER

Daily Average Remand Lock-up

AVERAGE MONTHLY DAILY

3,118
3,128
3,097
3,089
3,090
3,038
3,011
2,981
2,884
2,963
2,947
2,983
-

MALE REMAND POPULATION

Table 13
MONTH

MONTHLY DAILY

JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER

AVERAGE
POPULATION
3,051
3,060
3,031
3,011
2,988
2,979
2,953
2,922
2,827
2,888
2,876
2,932

3027

FEMALE REMAND
POPULATION
Table 14
MONTHLY
MONTH
DAILY
AVERAGE
POPULATIO
N
JANUARY
68
FEBRUARY
68
MARCH
66
APRIL
75
MAY
74
JUNE
62
JULY
58
AUGUST
74
SEPTEMBER
81
OCTOBER
75
NOVEMBER
72
DECEMBER
67
18

Daily Average Male Remand Population 2,960

Daily Average Female

Remand Population - 70

JUVENILE POPULATION
Out of the daily average inmate population of 13,487, one hundred and seventeen (117) were
juveniles.
The table below shows the monthly average population figures of juveniles.

Table 15
MONTH

MONTHLY AVERAGE DAILY

LOCK-UP
127
128
127
121
120
118
117
110
113
112
109
106

JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Daily Average Lock-up

117

PRISONERS ADMISSIONS
MALE - FEMALE
Table 16
CATEGORY
Male
Female
Total

NUMBER
17,222
726
17,948

19

The female to male admission ratio was 1:23

CONVICTS
Table 17
CATEGORY
Male
Female
Total

NUMBER
5,924
166
6,090

The female to male convict admission ratio was 1:36

REMANDS
Table 18
CATEGORY
Male
Female
Total

NUMBER
11,298
560
11,858

The female to male remand admission ratio was 1: 20

Categorization of Convicts Admitted

The table below shows the statistics of three/3 categories of convicts admitted during the year
under review.
Table 19
CATEGORY

NUMBER

First Offenders
Second Offenders
Recidivists
Total

4,759
959
372
6,090

20

First Offenders -

Those who have been admitted into prison for the first time.

Second Offenders - Those with one previous conviction and have been
admitted into prison for the second time.
Recidivists Fig. 1

Prisoners with 2/two or more previous convictions.

Recidivists, 372
Second Offenders,
959

Pie Chart Of Category of Convicts

First Offenders,
4,759

Age Distribution of Convict Prisoners Admitted

The age distribution of the convicts admitted during the reporting year is shown in
the table below. The mean age is 28.9 years.
Table 20
AGE RANGE
12 - 17
18 - 25
26 - 35
36 - 45
46 - 55
56-65
66-70
71+
TOTAL

CUMULATIVE

FREQUENCY

48
2,953
4,924
5,639
5,924
6,041
6,088
6,090

48
2905
1971
715
285
117
47
2
6090

0.79%
47.80%
32.31
11.7
4.7
1.9
0.77
0.03
100.00%

21

Fig. 2

Cumlative Frequency Curve Of Ages

7000
C 6000
u 5000
m
4000
F 3000
r
2000
e
q 1000
0

Age Range

The table below shows the detailed regional distribution of the offences
committed by prisoners. Stealing was the major cause of imprisonment.

PERCENT

10
19
88
82
951

5
6
2
2
2
10 13
3
14
389 340

8
2
3
58
58
669

41
2
23
1
18
26 116
11 71
232 285

1
1
2
6
2
98

1
2
74
3
46

6
17
15
4
25
31
45
-

138
1
1
124
45
121
1
41
71
4

7
19
11
41
51
24
3
35
27
15

28
9
19
117
47
78
94
144
15

9
14
31
28
33
10
38
78
1

1
1
14
8
8
1
1
25
6
1

6
8
8
14
8
16
16
-

82
40
24
13
10
32
53
54
27

7
1
87

71
31
49
410
246
3285

1.00%
0.4%
0.60%
5.3%
3%
42.4%

2
2
12
6
10
3
8
11
4

274
100
210
383
245
352
5
447
557
69

3.5%
1.3%
2.70%
4.90%
3.20%
4.50%
0.06%
5.80%
7.20%
0.90%

U/EAST
REGION
U/WEST
REGION

NORTHERN
REGION

12
1
188

7
2
73
23
23
50
106
105
2

TOTAL

MURDER
MANSLAUGHTER
RAPE
DEFILEMENT
ROBBERY
STEALING
POSSESSING
NARCOTIC DRUGS
THREAT OF DEATH
CAUSING DAMAGE
CAUSING HARM
ASSAULT
FRAUD
CONTEMPT OF COURT
CONSPIRACY
UNLAWFUL ENTRY
DISHONESTLY

EASTERN
REGION
CENTRAL
REGION
WESTERN
REGION
ASHANTI
REGION
VOLTA
REGION
B/AHAFO
REGION

OFFENCES/REGIONS

GT ACCRA

Table 21

22

RECEIVING
DRIVING OFFENCES
POSSESSING STOLEN
PROPERTY
DEBTORS
DEFRAUDING BY
FALSE PRETENCE
ABETMENT OF CRIME
POSSESSING.
OFFENSIVE. WEAPONS
ESCAPING FROM
CUSTODY
INDECENT ASSAULT
RESISTING ARREST
BEING ON PREMISES
FOR UNLAWFUL
PURPOSE
THREAT OF HARM
INCEST
ILLEGAL MINING
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
OTHERS
TOTAL

17

20

11

68

0.90%

1
0

1
1

0.01%
0.01%

16

15
2

10
11

7
7

0
0

32
48

0.40%
0.60%

10

37

0.50%

4
2
2

2
-

6
-

16
6

22
1
1

0
0
0

2
-

52
3
11

0.70%
0.04%
0.10%

13

0.20%

0
0
0
1
1
179

17
224

1
9
167

7
2
7
1
6
2
2
2
3
16 330 55 19 209 38 16
369 2080 738 830 1590 601 962

7
0.09%
2
0.03%
8
0.10%
17
0.20%
710
9.2%
7744 100.0%

FOREIGNERS ADMITTED
A total of 304 foreigners were admitted during the reporting year.
The table below illustrates the regional distribution of foreigners admitted.

6
2
50

17

1
1
-

I
2
90

TOTAL

UGANDAN

1
1

GUINEAN

4
2
-

KENYAN

20

40
1
3
10
2
32
1
1

S/LEONIAN

1
10
1
5
4
10
44

6
1
1
8
1

ITALIAN

19
3

CAMEROUNIA
N

13

BENINOIR

5
4
-

MALIAN

NIGERIEN

3
1
1
3
1

TOGOLESE

6
68

BUKINABE

38
3
3
9
3
6

LIBERIAN

EASTERN
CENTRAL
WESTERN
ASHANTI
B.A
VOLTA
U/EAST
NOTHERN
TOTAL

IVORIAN

REGION/
COUNTRY

NIGERIAN

Table 22

1
1

1
2

1
23

133
14
9
60
11
49
6
22
304

Educational Background of Prisoners Admitted

The table below shows the educational background of prisoners admitted
Table 23

EDUCATION
ILLITRATE
DROP OUT
PRIMARY
JSS
SSS
HND
VOCATIONAL
TECHNICAL
GRADUATE
TOTAL

FREQUENCY
1,484
76
699
2,778
832
62
29
65
65
6,090

PERCENTAGE
24.4
1.2
11.5
45.6
13.6
1
0.5
1.1
1.1
100

Fig 3

Prisoners and Educational Background

3000
2500
f
r
2000
e
q
u 1500
e
n 1000
c
y
500
0

Education

24

Table 24
RELIGION

FREQUENCY

PERCENTAGE

MOSLEM

1,420

23.3

TRADITIONALIST

277

4.6

PAGAN

672

11

CHRISTIAN

3,678

60.4

OTHERS

43

0.7

TOTAL

6,090

100

Fig. 4
Religious Background
OTHERS
1%

MOSLEM
23%

TRADITIONALIST
5%

CHRISTIAN
60%

PAGAN
11%

25

Pregnant Woman, Nursing Mothers and Babies Admitted

The table below shows the tabulated distribution of pregnant women, nursing mothers and babies
admitted in four female prisons.

Table 25
STATION
Nsawam Female

PREGNANT NURSING
WOMEN
MOTHERS
1
5

BABIES
5

Ho Female

Sekondi Female

Sunyani Female
Total

1
4

1
7

0
5

Fig. 5
Bar chart of Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers & Babies
F
r
e
q
u
e
n
c
y

5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0

Pregnant
Women
Nursing
Mothers
Babies

Prison

26

DISCHARGES
During the reviewing year, 5,779 convicted prisoners were
discharged. Details of the discharges are illustrated in the table
below.

Table 26
TYPE OF
DISCHARGES
1/3 Remission

NUMBER
4,709

PERCENTAGE
81.5

Fine Paid

562

9.7

Bailout

41

0.7

Court Order

277

4.8

Expiration of warrant

190

3.3

5,779

100

Total

27

Fig. 6
Type of Discharge

Court Order
Bail out

Expiration of
warrant

Fine Paid

1/3 Remission

DEATH OF PRISONERS
Causes Of Death Of Prisoners
A total of 91 prisoners died during the year while the death rate for the year under review was
0.67%.

28

Table 27
NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
21
Total

DISEASE
HIV/AIDS
Malaria
TB
Anaemia
Acute Asthma
Encephalitic
Cardio Mega
Cardiac Attack
Hypertension
Liver Disease
Diabetes
Pneumonia
Septic Shock
Rapture Hepatocellular
Carcinoma
Septiceamia
Ulcer
Pulmonary Embolus
Renal Failure
Hernia
Disseminated white matter
disease
Hepatitis B
Cirrhosis of the Brain
Transverse Myelitis
Other

FREQUENCY
8
1
9
12
1
2
3
9
4
8
1
5
2

%
8.8
1.1
9.9
13.1
1.1
2.2
3.3
9.9
4.4
8.8
1.1
5.5
2.2

1
2
1
1
1
1

1.1
2.2
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1

1
1
1
1
15
91

1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
16.5
100

29

Fig. 7
Bar Chart of cause of Death
N
o
o
f
D
e
a
t
h
s

16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

Disease

Regional Distribution of Cause of Death

The Table below shows the Regional distribution of
deaths.
Table 28
REGION
Greater Accra
Northern
Western
Central
Eastern
Volta
Brong Ahafo
Ashanti
U/East
U/West
Total

NO. OF
INMATES
0
4
11
11
28
11
8
17
0
1

%
0
4.4
12.1
12.1
30.7
12.1
8.8
18.7
0
1.1

91

100

30

Fig. 8

Bar Chart of Regional distribution of Deaths

N 30
o
25
.
20
o
15
f
10
D
e
a
t
h
s

5
0

Region

The table below shows the prison by prison distributions of death of prisoners.
.

31

Table 29
NO
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

PRISON
Nsawam 'M'
Nsawam 'F'
Koforidua
Ankaful 'M'
Ankaful 'A'
C.D.P
Ankaful Max
Sekondi 'M'
Sekondi 'F'
Ekuasi
Tarkwa
Kumasi 'M'
Manhyia
Amanfrom
HO "M'
Sunyani 'C'
Kpando
Kete Krachi
Navrongo
Yendi
Tamale "M'
Total

NO. OF
DEATHS
18
1
9
1
3
4
3
8
1
1
1
13
2
2
2
8
6
3
1
1
3
91

RATE OF
DEATH %
19.8
1.1
9.9
1.1
3.3
4.4
3.3
8.8
1.1
1.1
1.1
14.2
2.2
2.2
2.2
8.8
6.6
3.3
1.1
1.1
3.3
100

32

Fig. 9

Bar Chart 0f Prisons and No. of Deaths

N
o
.
o
f

20
I
15
n
m 10
a
5
t
e 0
s

Prisons

ESCAPES
Thirty prisoners escaped from lawful custody during the year however, twelve of them were
recaptured.
The escape rate for the year was 0.2%.

Table 30

Total

REGION

TYPES OF

ESCAPE

TOTAL

Greater Accra
Eastern
Central
Western
Brong Ahafo
Ashanti
Volta
Northern
U/East
U/West

INTERNA
L
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
3

EXTERNA
L
1
5
2
3
0
11
3
2
0
0
27

1
6
3
3
1
11
3
2
0
0
30

0.3
20
10
10
36.7
10
0.3
6.7
0
0
100

33

Fig. 10

Regional distribution of escapes

N 12
o
10
o
f
I
n
m
a
t
e
s

8
6
Internal
4

External

2
0

Region

34

Station by Station Distribution of Escapes

Table 31
STATION

James Camp
C.D.P
Nsawam Med.
Koforidua Local
Ankaful Main
Ekuasi Camp
Manhyia Local
Obuasi Local
Kpondo Local
Amanfrom Camp
Tamale Local
Ankaful Annex
Yendi Local
Salaga Local
Hiawa Camp
Forifori Camp
Akuse Male
Kenyasi
Total

TYPES OF

ESCAPE

INTERNAL EXTERNAL
0
1
1
0
0
2
1
0
0
2
0
1
0
1
0
2
0
3
0
8
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
2
0
1
1
0
3
27

TOTAL RECAPTURE

1
1
2
1
2
1
1
2
3
8
1
0
0
1
2
2
1
1
30

0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
3
1
0
2
1
0
0
1
0
1
12

RATE
OF
ESCAPE
0.4
1.8
0.2
1.1
0.5
0.7
0.4
1.1
1.3
3.5
0.4
0
0
2.3
2.3
3.3
0.6
0.8

35

Fig. 11

Bar chart of station by station escapes

8
I 7
N
n6
o
m5
.
a4
t3
o
e2
f
s1

Internal
External

Prison

SENIOR CORRECTIONAL CENTRE

The Senior Correctional Centre, the only male juvenile facility of the Ghana Prisons Service, had a total
inmate population of One Hundred and Seventeen (117) during the reporting year. These inmates
constituted first offenders only.
During the year, 48 young offenders were admitted into custody. Relevant statistics indicating their
demographics, type of offence committed and the trend of offending behaviour are as shown in the table
below:

36

AGE DISTRIBUTION
Table 32
12-15
16-18
Total

13
35
48

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Table 33
ILLITERATES
PRIMARY
JHS
SHS
TOTAL

2
23
21
2
48

RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND
Table 34
MOSLEMS
CHRISTIANS
PAGANS
TOTAL

11
28
9
48

TYPE OF OFFENDERS
Table 35
1ST OFFENDERS
2ND OFFENDERS
RECIDIVIST
TOTAL

48
NIL
NIL
48

37

OFFENCES COMMITTED
The general situation in terms of offences committed is as shown in the table below:
Table 36
OFFENCE
STEALING
ROBBERY
UNLAWFUL ENTRY
CAUSING HARM
THREAT OF DEATH
POSSESSION OF FIRE
ARMS
ATTEMPTED MURDER
MANSLAUGHTER
ATTEMPTED RAPE
ABETMENT
NARCOTIC
CAUSING DAMAGE
CONSPIRACY
INDECENT ASSAULT
INCEST
DEFILEMENT
FRAUD
OTHERS
TOTAL

NO. OF PERSON
33
1
12
3
5
2
1
5
74

CHAPLAINCY ACTIVITIES
The Chaplaincy Unit of the Centre undertook a number of activities aimed at reforming inmates. These
included moral education, counselling, preaching, and mentoring.

REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES
The educational programmes comprising the non-formal, Junior High and NVTI made steady progress.
The Centre recorded 60% pass in the BECE and four of them had placement in Senior High School
within the Greater Accra Region.

38

TRADE TRAINING
The Centre continued to run the underlisted trade training programmes for the inmates. The details are as
follows:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.

Auto Mechanics
Welding
Vulcanizing
Carpentry
Tailoring
General Electrical
Shoemaking
Blacksmithing
Ceramics
Draughtsmanship

10
7
3
6
8
10
3
4
7
4

The Centre prepared thirty-one/31 inmates who wrote the National Vocational Training Institute
examination (NVTI) in all the trades in September.

WELFARE
The mandate of the welfare department of the Ghana Prisons Service is to ensure the general wellbeing of
inmates, officers and their dependants. The welfare department has a number of units which includes
Estate, HIV/AIDS Control, GLICO Provident Fund/POWEF, Credit Union, PRILAS/PROWA, Religious
Affairs, Music and Retired Prisons Officers Association (REPOA)..
Each unit is headed by a superior officer who co ordinates activities and reports directly to the Director
of Welfare .There are other welfare sub-units in the various prison establishments under the command of
the Officers-In-Charge.

ESTATES
Though the departments activities during the period were severely hampered by lack of funding, it was
able to carry out some renovation works on some bungalows, Cantonments flats and on a few blocks. It
also renovated an apartment at Maamobi complex. Most offices were furnished to provide a congenial
working environment for staff while five/5 Rambo water storage tanks were installed to enhance water
delivery for officers at various locations.

39

The department was able to secure land documents of four/4 prison establishments from the Lands
Commission bringing to a total of thirteen/13 Prisons acquired lands with valid documents.
The Unit also undertook new construction works such as perimeter fence wall at Labone Estates
bungalow three/3 garage sheds, metal drain covers, and front elevation fence wall at Prisons
Headquarters.

AIDS CONTROL UNIT

The Service participated in a 4 - day HIV & AIDS fair held at the Accra International Conference Centre
from 21st 24th February,2012 to showcase the various interventions undertaken in terms of HIV &
AIDS control within the prison community.
With the support of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) four (4) HIV & AIDS Testing and
Counseling centres were refurbished to bring their services to the door step of inmates.
The Unit co-ordinated with Christian Care, an NGO and a Prisons Community Service Organization to
successfully run series of workshops under the theme Knowledge Empowerment to fight
Stigmatization and Discrimination for officers and inmates in eleven (11) selected prison
establishments across the country.
GAPOHA Clinic in collaboration with Rural Aid Alliance Foundation (RAAR) an NGO, screened
officers and inmates of Sekondi Prisons for HIV and gave them counselling and medication where
necessary.

CREDIT UNION
The Ghana Prisons Co-operative Credit Union is one of the welfare schemes in the Service. It is a
voluntary association set up by management to enable officers put part of their income aside as
investment for the future.
During the period, membership of the Union increased from three thousand one hundred and twenty
(3,120) to three thousand, two hundred and ninety four (3,294).

PRILAS/PROWA
The female wing of the Service fashioned out a theme for themselves Taking corrections to a higher
level; the role of the female officer which guided their activities throughout the year.

40

Under the Ghana Health Service, the Prisons Ladies Association (PRILAS) collaborated with
organisations such as Breast Care International, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and
Womens Department (DOW) to organise malaria prevention programme to reduce the incidence of the
disease in communities in the Greater Accra Region. Seminars on womens rights issues and gender
mainstreaming were organized by Legal Assistance Ghana (GLAN) for members of PRILAS. It also
had a number of socialisation programmes with Immigration Ladies Club, Police Ladies Association and
other women groups.
At the Regional level, members organized educational and socialization progammes such as breast cancer
lectures, excursion among others during the year.
The Director-Generals Childrens Party was organized for officers children in the Upper East Region
under the supervision of the Executives of the National Prisons Officers Wives Association (PROWA).
Members of PROWA in some regions also benefitted from loans acquired from the National Investment
Bank under special negotiations to enhance their petty trading in order to improve their livelihood.

CHAPLAINCY AND RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

Orthodox, charismatic and Pentecostal churches contributed to the welfare of inmates by way of
providing counselling services and preaching to them. They also donated items such as Bibles, clothes,
toiletries and food items.

MUSIC
The unit which comprises the regimental band and the dance band (masterpiece) had seventy six (76)
staff. The bands engaged in commercial and non-commercial services. They also participated in national
assignments such as 6th March and 1stMay parades. In all, both bands performed a total of one hundred
and seventy (170) engagements. The regimental band performed ninety nine (99) while the dance band
did sixty one (61).

COMMERCIAL UNIT
During the reporting year, the Unit made remarkable strides in sourcing contracts with the aim of raising
revenue for the Service.
They completed the construction work on the two storey dormitory block for Odorgono SHS at Awoshie,
Accra which was awarded by Halix and Associates Ghana Limited.

41

They also completed the construction of a multi-purpose Sports Court for St. Thomas Aquinas SHS at
Labone, Accra. Besides, they sewed uniforms for staff of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology (KNUST), Judicial Service and Reinbee Security on contract.

COMMUNICATION UNIT
The Unit was effective in carrying out its traditional function of ensuring timely transmission of radio
messages across all prisons in the country. It was also responsive to all complaints on communication
hitches that the various stations experienced in the year and took appropriate technical actions in
addressing those problems.
The Service took delivery of five hundred (500) RLG Mobile Phones as support from the Ghana
Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC). The National Election Security Task Force
also supported the Service with twenty-eight (28) One Touch and RLG brands of mobile phones, while
Vodafone Telecommunications Company donated thirty (30) cordless desktop phones to improve the
communication system of the Service.

INTERNAL AUDIT
The Unit kept checks on the Services compliance of rules, regulations, system, policies and procedures
prescribed by the MDAs and /or by regulatory authorities with regard to its financial administration
during the period under review.
They undertook pre and post Audit activities and verified all supplies and purchases of the Service.
The Unit organized an In-Service training in Auditing for a number of staff during the reporting year. It
also developed an annual audit plan for management approval for use in 2013.

SPORTS
The Service registered and participated in the under listed disciplines during the year under review:.

Handball Men/Women
Volleyball Men/Women
Hockey Men/Women
Basketball Men/Women
Boxing
Judo
Tae-Kwon-Do
42

Having placed first in the national league, the mens volleyball team represented Ghana in the African
Zone II Volleyball Clubs Championship in Niger and was the runner-up at the end of the Championship
out of 8/eight participating countries. The ladies hockey team also represented Ghana in African Clubs
Championship in Zimbabwe and placed third.
An officer from the Service was among the 5 boxers who represented Ghana in the London Olympic
Games in 2012.
In Tae-Kwon-do, the Service participated in the FREDOTU and the SKY open championships and won
5 Gold, 3 Silver and 6 Bronze medals in all.
.
Inmates in the various prisons also undertook various sporting activities throughout the year.

OPERATIONS
The Unit performed guard duties and maintained security at all Service functions such as the graduation
parades of various categories of officers at the Prisons Officers Training School (POTS). They were also
part of the joint Military- Police Patrol that successfully maintained security during the 2012 December
7th general elections.

LEGAL UNIT
As usual, the Unit interpreted various rules and regulations, court orders and other legal documents
emanating from the Service and those that were received from other agencies. A number of Contractual
agreements to which the Service was a party were scrutinized and fine-tuned for endorsement by the
Director- General.
The Unit liaised well with the Attorney-Generals Department, CHRAJ, Police, Office of the Chief
Justice and other relevant players in the justice delivery system.
Cases brought against the Service were responded to expeditiously and where necessary the office
prepared statements of defense and drafted responses for review by the Attorney-General.

CASES
Internally, officers who misconducted themselves and were formally charged had their cases referred to
the unit for comments. During the reporting year, one hundred and one/101 cases were dispensed.
The Service was represented in court by the legal unit in cases where it had been cited as a party Most of
the cases bordered on alleged wrongful dismissals, reduction in ranks of officers and litigation on Prison
lands, officers who encountered legal challenges in the course of their official duties among others.
43

At the international level, the Unit made significant contributions to the Attorney Generals Department
regarding ex-tradition applications for two British Nationals who were alleged to have committed various
offences in Ghana and managed to find their way to the United Kingdom.

Legislative Reforms
The Unit reviewed the Prisons Service Act and prepared new Disciplinary and General Regulations to be
laid before parliament. The passage of the Bill and the Regulations will address most of the challenges
that confront the Service and improve service delivery.
A recommendation was made to the Constitutional Review Commission to consider changing the name
of the Service from the Ghana Prisons Service to Ghana Correctional Service.
Additionally, the unit was instrumental in developing a number of policy guidelines. These includes;
Guidelines on Promotion, Policy Guidelines on Deployment of Prisons Officers to the United Nations
Peacekeeping Operations, Policy Guidelines on Enlistment, Promotion and Progression, among others.

TRANSPORT UNIT
The transport section continued to perform its traditional role of conveying officers for operational and
administrative duties. They also rendered water tanker, ambulance and waste disposal services to prison
establishments and the general public.
The vehicular strength of the Service by the end of the reporting year stood at two hundred and seven
/207 and two/2 dispatch motorcycles. While 39 of the vehicles were at various workshops for repairs,
almost 60% of the fleet was not roadworthy.

PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Service maintained its existing relationship with various stakeholder groups such as the Ministry of
the Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, National Security Secretariat,
National Protocol Department, sister security agencies and Embassies, using ethical Public relations
practices.
The various sections of the Public Relations Unit- media relations, protocol and photography- were very
effective in undertaking their distinct functions.
44

SPECIAL EVENT
The Prisons Interdenominational Church in Sekondi was inaugurated by DOP Anthony Yebuah on behalf
of the Director-General of Prisons, Mr. M.K. Bansah.

AWARDS
No. 7792, Sgt. Morgan Baiden of Sekondi Prison received a National Award for dedication to duty and
Gallantry.
No. 7673, Sgt. Emmanuel Awatey of Hiawa Prison was awarded 3 incremental jumps for his
commitment to duty, Gallantry and exemplary performance during the year.
Supt. Grace Allan-Gayinah (MRS.) received the 2ndGhana Women of Excellence Award on 29thMarch,
2012 in Ho.
Kpando Local Prison was awarded the Best Institution in Agriculture, in the Kpando Municipality during
the annual Farmers Day Celebrations.

DONATIONS
The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) donated a satellite dish and a decoder to Navrongo
Prison.
The Fountain Gate Chapel started the construction of a cell at Navrongo as a means to help decongest the
prison.
Dr. Nana Ama Barnes of Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital donated the following items to Sekondi
Central Prison:
a. Electronic Blood Pressure checking machine
b. Digital blood sugar level checking machine
c. Assorted drugs
Mrs. Theresa Sarpong served as a surrogate mother to 25 inmates of Sekondi Central Prison whom she
visited every month with items such as toiletries, food, disposable chewing sticks etc.

VISITS OF DIGNITARIES
Mr. Jacques Mwepu and Madam Agneta Johnson of The Swedish Prison and Probation Service paid a
working visit to the Prisons Headquarters on 15th November, 2012.
45

The Minister for the Interior, Hon. William Kwesi Aboah, his Deputy Hon. Kobby Acheampong and the
Chief Director visited Prisons Headquarters on 18th July,2012.
The Director-General of Prisons, Mr. M. K. Bansah in the company of the British High Commissioner
paid an official visit to the Nsawam Female Prison.
Mr. Frederick M. Baya, the Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, visited Kenyan inmates at the
Nsawam Female Prison.
A Parliamentary delegation led by Captain George Nfodwo visited Sekondi Female Prison and interacted
with inmates.
Justice P.K. Ababio, Justice Kofi Akrowiah, Kofi Boakye Esq., and Charles B. Nimako Esq. in the
company of Mr. George T. Sackey of the Attorney Generals Department visited Sekondi Prison under
the Access to Justice programme.
Mad. Grace Vanderpuije, the Ashanti Regional Coordinator of NVTI, paid an official visit to Kumasi
Central Prison to observe how the NVTI examinations were being organized.
The Director-General of Prisons, Mr. M.Kofi Bansah, paid a working visit to Akuse Prisons during the
December 7th general elections.
Prof. Kofi N. Awoonor, Chairman of the Council of State and other members visited Nsawam Female
Prison.

46