The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called for urgent and comprehensive reforms of Ghana's prison system following his incarceration since July 20, 2026.
This was contained in a press statement dated October 27, 2026, issued by his Spokesperson, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, after consistent visits to him in prison.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi said his period in custody has been one of deep reflection after first-hand interaction with prison officers, inmates and the conditions under which the Ghana Prison Service operates - a system he said has seen little structural improvement since 1962.
He noted that "Not all prisoners are prisoners" and stressed that the correctional system must move from punishment to true reform, welfare and productivity.
*His key observations and appeals are as follows:*
*1. Officers' Welfare:* He called on government to urgently review the pay, accommodation and conditions of service for prison officers.
*2. Dedicated Prison Hospital:* He observed that there is no dedicated, well-equipped prison hospital, ambulance or standby generator in many facilities. Seriously sick inmates with terminal illnesses including tuberculosis are managed under difficult conditions. He appealed for construction of an ultra-modern Prison Hospital and, in the interim, emergency linkage with 37 Military Hospital and Police Hospital.
*3. Classification of Inmates:* Minor offenders are made to sleep with armed robbery convicts, while persons on trial for treason and terrorism are mixed with ordinary inmates, which he described as a security risk.
*4. Overcrowding and Disease:* Inmates with tuberculosis sleep with healthy inmates, increasing infection.
*5. Youth and Defilement Cases:* He observed that majority of inmates are young men aged 18-35 years jailed for defilement. He claimed that due to prolonged incarceration and lack of counselling, many engage in same-sex activities in prison. He called for proper classification and counselling.
*6. Conjugal and Family Visitation:* He appealed for a dedicated private area for spouses and children to visit, stating that it is the prisoner who is in prison, not the children or spouse. He said regulated visitation for love and intimacy will reduce tension, preserve marriages and aid reformation.
*7. LGBTQI+ Management:* He called for clear policy direction on LGBTQI+ classification in prisons.
*8. Prison Agriculture:* The Service has vast lands and skilled labour but only one tractor for food and garbage. He pleaded with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support prison farms.
*9. Infrastructure:* Apart from pure water production, there has been little investment since 1962. He called on government and private sector to build modern facilities and factories.
*10. Justice Sector Collaboration:* Regional Prison Commanders should be included in jury and justice deliberations because "the real job begins after judgement."
*Appeal to Parliament:*
Chairman Wontumi made a special appeal to Parliament to lead prison reform. He called on the Speaker of Parliament to lead the conversation as a human rights and national development issue, and on the Majority and Minority caucuses to work together in a bipartisan manner to pass a new Prison Reform Act and approve budgetary allocation for a dedicated Prison Hospital, ambulance service, generators and agricultural equipment.
He also urged the Parliamentary Select Committees on Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to pay working visits to prisons across the country.
"At this experience since July 20th till date, prison doesn't reform as it should be. I pray that the entire Africa will learn from Ghana. African prisons must change - even the name must change. Ghana can lead Africa," he is quoted as saying.
Chairman Wontumi further appealed to the Speaker, Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Attorney-General, Chief Justice and Government to prioritize prison welfare. The statement said he remains in high spirits.