The Ghana Prisons Service is pursuing a partnership with the State Housing Company (SHC) to improve accommodation for officers and inmates.
Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Director-General of Prisons, revealed during a courtesy visit to the State Housing Company Head Office in Accra that only 25 per cent of officers currently occupy Service-provided housing, much of which is in poor condition.
She added that the remaining 75 per cent reside in privately arranged accommodation, often situated far from their duty posts.
The visit, led by Apostle Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, Chairman of the Prisons Service Council, was intended to initiate discussions on a strategic partnership to address longstanding accommodation challenges.
It formed part of the Service’s transformation agenda under the “THINK PRISONS 360 DEGREES” initiative, which focuses on officer and inmate welfare, agricultural mechanisation, industrialisation, business development, and wealth creation.
Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie observed that inadequate housing not only compromised security but also affected morale and welfare.
She emphasised the need for affordable and dignified housing solutions, including post-retirement packages, and noted that the current residences of Service Directors do not reflect their rank and responsibilities.
She also announced the introduction of the Prisons Improvement and Sustainability Pesewa Fund (PISPES), which is intended to attract grants, donor support, and corporate social responsibility contributions to support housing and welfare initiatives.
Mr John Sherif Bawa, Managing Director of SHC, said the Company was ready to collaborate with the Prisons Service to provide decent and secure housing for officers and inmates.
He assured that SHC’s technical team would begin working with their counterparts immediately to fast-track the initiative and pledged support for the PISPES fund.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi expressed appreciation to Mr Bawa and his team for the positive engagement and encouraged both institutions to strengthen their partnership for the benefit of officers and inmates nationwide.
GNA
