Implementation Challenges of Welfare Provisions for Prisoners in Nsawam Medium Security Prisons

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the implementation challenges of welfare provisions for prisoners in Nsawam Medium Security Prisons. It gathered views on the extent to which welfare standards for prisoners have been implemented and achieved in relation to health, feeding and accommodation for inmates of Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, and the challenges that faced Ghana Prisons Service in implementing welfare standards for inmates. In all 40 prisoners, 20 prison officers, and 9 key prison administrators from Nsawam Medium Security Prisons were sampled randomly and purposively. Data from 40 prisoners and 20 prison officers were collected by means of questionnaire and analyzed quantitatively whereas data from key prison administrators were collected by means of structured oral interviews and analyzed qualitatively based on the research objectives. The study established that inadequate supply of essential drugs and inadequate qualified health personnel, inadequate ration grants for prisoners, and overcrowding of cells coupled with inadequate ventilation, inadequate toilet facilities and unhygienic conditions are the major drawbacks to welfare delivery to prisoners of Nsawam Medium Security Prison. Besides, findings indicated that the Ghana Prison Service (GPS) is making effort to improve welfare delivery to prisoners and has been receiving various forms of support from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The study recommends increase in government budgetary allocation for feeding, revival of prison farm concept, resourcing of infirmary with adequate drugs and health personnel, registration of inmates with NHIS, renovation of the existing prison accommodation facilities and building of new ones, and tapping the full support of CSOs and NGOs as measures to ensure effective implementation of welfare standards in Nsawam Medium Security Prisons with regard to feeding, health and accommodation of prisoners.