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Thursday, 5 November 2026
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Ghanaian press · Organization

Ghana Prisons Service

Also known as: Prisons authorities · Ghana Prison Service · Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service · Security and Operations Unit of the Ghana Prisons Service

Ghana Prisons Service — government agency operating correctional facilities nationwide, receiving recent government support for improved inmate feeding, healthcare, and rehabilitation programmes.

2026-04-262026-11-05

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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. November 2026
  2. Joy Online

    The Ghana Prisons Service has called for a comprehensive National Reintegration Policy to address the stigma, discrimination and unemployment confronting formerly incarcerated persons as they seek to rebuild their lives after prison. …

    Prisons Service calls for national policy to support ex-convicts’ reintegration
  3. The Ghanaian Times

    TELECEL Ghana Foundation has donated medical equipment and healthcare supplies to the Ghana Prisons Service Medical Equipment Bank to improve access to healthcare for inmates across the country. …

    Telecel Foundation donates medical equipment to Prisons Service
  4. Joy Online

    Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged Ghana Prisons Service officers to uphold inmates’ dignity and provide them with opportunities for rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. …

    Vice President urges prison officers to respect inmate dignity and support rehabilitation
  5. Joy Online

    The government has increased the daily feeding allowance for Ghana Prisons Service inmates from GH¢1.80 to GH¢5, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang announced. …

    Government raises daily feeding allowance for prison inmates from GH¢1.80 to GH¢5
  6. October 2026
  7. Joy Online

    The Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has urged newly commissioned officers of the Ghana Prisons Service to demonstrate discipline, hard work and professionalism in the discharge of their duties. …

    Vice President urges newly commissioned prison officers to uphold discipline and professionalism
  8. Joy Online

    President John Dramani Mahama has approved the promotion of 15 officers of the Ghana Prisons Service, including seven Deputy Directors of Prisons elevated to Directors of Prisons and eight Assistant Directors of Prisons promoted to Deputy Directors of Prisons. …

    Mahama promotes 15 Ghana Prisons Service officers to senior ranks
  9. Joy Online

    The Chairman of the Ghana Prisons Service Council, Apostle Ing. Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has disclosed plans to explore legal assistance for inmates, following concerns over difficulties in accessing court proceedings and securing legal representation for appeals. …

    Prisons Council explores legal aid for inmates over challenges with appeals
  10. Joy Online

    President John Mahama has appointed 15 officers of the Ghana Prisons Service, elevating seven Deputy Directors of Prisons to Directors of Prisons and eight Assistant Directors of Prisons to Deputy Directors of Prisons. …

    Mahama appoints 15 officers of the Ghana Prisons Service
  11. Joy Online

    … Security Agencies, Corporate Bodies Join Campaign The awareness walk attracted participants from various institutions, including the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service and Ghana Prisons Service. …

    Breast Cancer: Breast Society leads awareness walk to promote early detection
  12. Joy Online

    … She said women now head the Ghana National Fire Service and Ghana Prisons Service, adding that the Peace Council had increased women’s representation on its Board from one to three members out of thirteen, while the Fire Service reports an increase in women in leadership posts fr …

    Ghana making steady progress in gender parity among security forces – FOSDA report

Today

  1. Ghana Prisons Service urges national policy for ex-convict reintegration

    The Ghana Prisons Service has called for a comprehensive National Reintegration Policy to help formerly incarcerated persons overcome stigma, discrimination, and unemployment as they rebuild their lives after prison, emphasizing the need for sustained support from government, the private sector, families and communities.

    5 hours ago · Joy Online →

Tuesday 3 November

  1. Telecel Foundation donates medical equipment to Ghana Prisons Service

    Telecel Ghana Foundation has donated medical equipment and healthcare supplies to the Ghana Prisons Service Medical Equipment Bank, including examination beds, blood pressure monitors, resuscitators, nebulisers, centrifuges, diagnostic instruments, pulse oximeters, and IV stands, to strengthen healthcare delivery in correctional facilities nationwide.

    3 November 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Monday 2 November

  1. VP urges prison officers to respect inmates and support rehabilitation

    Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang told graduating prison officer cadets that humane treatment and dignity for inmates is a fundamental responsibility of the Ghana Prisons Service, and assured that the government is committed to improving staff welfare, institutional capacity, and professional development.

    2 November 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 1 November

  1. Government increases daily prison feeding allowance to GH¢5

    Ghana's government has raised the daily feeding allowance for prison inmates from GH¢1.80 to GH¢5, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang announced. The increase is part of broader efforts to improve prison conditions, strengthen rehabilitation programmes, and enhance the operational capacity of the Ghana Prisons Service.

    1 November 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 30 October

  1. Vice President urges prison officers on discipline and professionalism

    Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has urged newly commissioned Ghana Prisons Service officers to demonstrate discipline and professionalism, stressing that humane treatment of inmates is a constitutional obligation. She noted the government is taking steps to address overcrowding through the Community Service Act and non-custodial sentencing, while also providing farming inputs to prisons for food production and inmate skills development.

    30 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 29 October

  1. President Mahama approves promotions for 15 Ghana Prisons Service officers

    President John Dramani Mahama has approved the promotion of 15 Ghana Prisons Service officers: seven Deputy Directors of Prisons to Directors of Prisons and eight Assistant Directors of Prisons to Deputy Directors of Prisons. The promotions took effect from July 1, 2026, and were announced on October 29, 2026.

    29 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Prisons Council explores legal aid for inmates facing appeals

    The Ghana Prisons Service Council Chairman disclosed plans to explore legal assistance for inmates, who have expressed difficulties accessing court proceedings and securing legal representation for appeals. He is in discussions with more than 100 lawyers to explore ways of providing legal support.

    29 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Mahama appoints 15 Ghana Prisons Service officers to higher ranks

    President John Mahama has appointed 15 officers of the Ghana Prisons Service, promoting seven Deputy Directors to Directors of Prisons and eight Assistant Directors to Deputy Directors, effective July 1, 2026.

    29 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  4. Breast Society leads awareness walk for early cancer detection

    The Breast Society of Ghana organised an awareness walk through central Accra on October 24, 2026, to promote breast cancer screening and early detection. Medical personnel and survivors conducted educational sessions at Makola Market and Kinbu, distributing leaflets and emphasising that early detection and prompt treatment improve outcomes.

    29 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  5. Ghana advancing women's representation in security forces

    A Foundation for Security and Development in Africa report shows Ghana is making progress on gender parity in its security forces and peacekeeping operations through institutional quotas, legislative backing, and international partnerships. The evaluation documents developments including the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024, a National Gender Policy for 2025–2034, and Armed Forces gender policy.

    29 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 28 October

  1. Ghana Prisons Service denies relocating inmates over alleged poisoning plot

    The Ghana Prisons Service has disputed claims that five inmates at Nsawam Prison were relocated following an alleged plot to poison convicted former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako. The Service confirmed it launched investigations after Wontumi's aide raised the matter, though it noted the complaint came from a spokesperson rather than Wontumi himself.

    28 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. MPs back prison reforms including hospital and humane treatment

    MP Peter Toobu has backed former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako's call for sweeping reforms in Ghana's prison system, including a dedicated prison hospital, improved welfare for officers, and regulated conjugal visits. Toobu argued that prisons should reform inmates and treat them humanely, stressing that committing a crime should not strip individuals of their humanity.

    28 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Ghana Prisons Service assures Wontumi is safe at Nsawam

    The Ghana Prisons Service has stated that convicted former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) is well and safe in custody at Nsawam Prison and is not receiving preferential treatment. The service is investigating Wontumi's claim that inmates attempted to poison him.

    28 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  4. Prisons Service investigates Wontumi poisoning claim

    The Ghana Prisons Service is investigating convicted Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi)'s claim that prison inmates attempted to poison him, though the report came through his spokesperson rather than directly from Wontumi. The Prisons Service spokesperson noted that attempted poisoning incidents are uncommon in Ghana.

    28 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 27 October

  1. Remanded chairman calls for Ghana prison reforms

    Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, remanded since July 2026, has issued a statement reflecting on Ghana's prison conditions and calling for reforms including improved pay and accommodation for prison officers, a dedicated prison hospital with emergency linkages to military and police hospitals, and better classification of inmates to separate minor offenders from serious convicts.

    27 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. NPP chairman's spokesperson calls for prison reforms and hospital

    Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has called on the government and Parliament to reform Ghana's prison system, including constructing a dedicated prison hospital and introducing regulated conjugal visits, drawing on Chairman Wontumi's observations during his remand in July 2026.

    27 October 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Monday 26 October

  1. Ghana's Golden Arms depart for World Armwrestling Championship

    Ghana's national armwrestling team, the Golden Arms, has departed for the 2026 World Armwrestling Championship in New Delhi, India, with African champions Grace Minta, Mabel Yeboah, and Daniel Acquah among those competing. The championship takes place from October 26 to November 7, 2026, and Ghana aims to improve its medal count and strengthen its global standing.

    26 October 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Thursday 22 October

  1. Ghana Prisons Service trains recruits in cell extraction techniques

    The Security and Operations Unit of the Ghana Prisons Service has organised a Cell Extraction Technique training exercise for recruits at the Prisons Officers Training School, aimed at strengthening their operational preparedness to handle challenging situations within prison facilities while maintaining security and order.

    22 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 21 October

  1. Lawmaker proposes mandatory procurement from prison businesses

    Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, a Parliament committee chairman, has called for government institutions to purchase goods produced by prison inmates as a way to provide a sustainable market for vocational businesses and reduce the Ghana Prisons Service's reliance on donations and philanthropic support.

    21 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Ghana Prisons Service seeks increased CSR funding for inmate rehabilitation

    Following an Auditor-General's report highlighting persistent reintegration challenges and high recidivism among discharged inmates, the Ghana Prisons Service Director General told Parliament that inadequate funding is the main obstacle to executing the service's mandate of rehabilitation and reintegration across 45 facilities. The service is proposing increased budgetary allocation, including a 1% CSR allocation, to address rehabilitation shortcomings.

    21 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Two GIS officers given November 7 deadline to refund unearned salaries

    Two Ghana Immigration Service officers received unearned salaries totalling up to GH¢57,006 and have been ordered to refund by November 7, 2026; the ministry plans to hold authorising officials financially responsible if the money is not recovered, and will introduce new HR software to prevent similar errors.

    21 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 20 October

  1. Ghana Prisons Director-General seeks welfare support for officers

    The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service has appealed to the Public Accounts Committee for welfare interventions, including a contagious disease allowance and better remuneration, citing harsh working conditions that prison officers face while sharing the same environment as convicted inmates.

    20 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Family rejection and job scarcity drive ex-convicts back to prison

    The Ghana Prisons Service Director-General told Parliament that family neglect, social exclusion and limited employment opportunities are pushing former inmates back to incarceration. An Auditor-General report found that former inmates from 15 of Ghana's 45 prisons returned to prison between 2020 and 2025, despite an inmate support programme, with the Director-General noting that vocational training alone cannot prevent reoffending without post-release support and jobs.

    20 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 12 October

  1. Trade Ministry backs Prisons Service art rehabilitation programme

    The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has commended the Ghana Prisons Service for using creative arts to promote inmate rehabilitation, skills development and economic empowerment. The Deputy Minister called for exhibitions to become sustainable platforms for talent discovery and commercialisation of inmate artworks, while urging the public to recognise the dignity and potential of incarcerated persons.

    12 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Dr Abena Asomaning launches three books, auctions paintings for inmates

    Author, advocate and artist Dr Abena Nyarkoa Asomaning launched three books—Women's Leadership in Africa, The Shrewd You and Bloom—and auctioned original paintings to support incarcerated women, young people and former inmates at an event in Accra. Proceeds benefit the Angel-Zoe Foundation's work with people rebuilding their lives.

    12 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Government plans to recruit 40,000 youths into security services

    President Mahama announced plans to recruit approximately 40,000 young Ghanaians into security services between 2025 and 2028. According to the President, 12,000 people were recruited in 2025, with additional recruitment exercises expected over the next three years to meet the government's target.

    12 October 2026 · The Chronicle →

Sunday 11 October

  1. Security women lead breast cancer awareness campaign in Wa

    Female officers from the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service and Ghana Prisons Service held a breast cancer awareness campaign in Wa's streets, marked by pink ribbons and uniforms. The campaign was led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Prospera Soliku, President of the Immigration Ladies Association in the Upper West Region, who shared that she had lost loved ones to breast cancer.

    11 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 9 October

  1. Trade Ministry endorses creative arts for prison rehabilitation

    The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has commended the Ghana Prisons Service for using creative arts to develop inmates' skills and prepare them for economic opportunities after release. Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi stressed that correctional facilities should provide practical opportunities for personal development and urged the public to avoid stigmatising incarcerated persons.

    9 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 8 October

  1. PAC orders CWSA to recover GH¢2.5m debt in 30 days

    The Public Accounts Committee has instructed the Community Water and Sanitation Agency to recover GH¢2.5 million owed by more than 295 public institutions, including MMDAs and security services, within 30 days. The Committee also directed CWSA to seek police assistance in recovering more than GH¢300,000 owed by 72 police stations.

    8 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 7 October

  1. PAC orders CWSA to recover GH¢10m unpaid water bills within thirty days

    The Public Accounts Committee has instructed the Community Water and Sanitation Agency to recover GH¢10 million in outstanding water bills from public institutions within 30 days. Security agencies, health facilities, schools and Regional Coordinating Councils account for the debt, with GH¢2.5 million attributed to the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Prisons Service and hospitals, and GH¢7.5 million from other public institutions.

    7 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Ghana Prisons Service — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute