President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a 260-capacity Camp Prison facility at Damongo in the Savannah Region.
The ultra-modern centre, built and fully furnished by The Church of Pentecost for the Ghana Prisons Service, marks the Church’s third correctional institution under its Safety and Security Project.
Designed with rehabilitation at its core, the new facility goes beyond inmate housing. It includes carpentry and tailoring workshops, dormitory blocks, a chapel that also serves as a classroom, a kitchen, a dining hall, an infirmary, CCTV surveillance, and two mechanised boreholes to support daily operations.
During the ceremony, President Mahama applauded The Church of Pentecost for its dedication to national justice reforms and its commitment to restoring dignity to inmates, and builinging a prison in Damongo.
He outlined ongoing government efforts aimed at transforming Ghana’s justice system, including prison expansion, reviewing restrictive bail conditions, and introducing parole.
He said, “Our administration’s prison reform agenda rests on a fundamental belief that no Ghanaian should be stripped of their humanity even when they are in prison.”
President Mahama added that reforms would include greater use of alternative sentencing for minor and non-violent offences and easing bail conditions to prevent unnecessary suffering, especially for vulnerable citizens.
He further pledged the government’s resolve to complete the 800-inmate capacity remand facility at Nsawam, started during his previous administration in 2016 but left stalled.
Mahama said, “We are therefore implementing far-reaching reforms, which include, among others, expanding the use of alternative sentencing for minor and non-violent offenses.
Reviewing bill conditions to avoid undue hardship, especially for the poor. Introducing a parole system to reward good behaviour and accelerate reintegration.”
“This initiative will not only generate income to sustain the service but also equip inmates with the practical skills they need for life after their release,” he noted.
The Director-General of Prisons, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, described the new centre as a place of correction, restoration, and renewal.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak praised the project as a powerful example of collaboration between the State and the Church.
Apostle Eric Nyamekye (PhD), Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to national development and announced that construction of a fourth correctional facility in Obuasi is progressing steadily.
