The Nsawam Medium Security Prison has been described as a prison that does not serve its purpose of reforming citizens who fall foul of the law.

Some members of Parliament made the remark after paying a visit to Hon. Daniel Kwesi Abodakpi, MP for Keta, who has been convicted for willfully causing financial loss to the state.

"The Minority Leader, Hon. Alban Badgin, told pressmen who were denied entry into the prison yard that, the prisons are not in good condition and shape to reform the prisoners to be good citizens and law-abiding when they come out of prison.

He stated that the prisons lack facilities to reform the prisoners such as well-equipped carpentry workshop, mechanical workshop etc.

He said the office of the second in command (2IC) was also in a bad state and that, it required refurbishment.

The Minority Leader added that, the prison lacked the technology to trace prisoners who found themselves out of the prison as well as collect accurate data on them. He noted that, irrespective of portfolio, all prisoners were grouped and placed together.

According to him, the jailed MP raised a lot of issues concerning welfare of the, prisoners who were there for reformation.

Touching on the condition of Mr Abodakpi, Mr Badgin stated that his health was in good condition and shape.

According to the Majority Leader Hon. Abraham Osei Aidoo, Mr. Abodakpi remains a Member of Parliament until the Appeal process goes against him.

He stated that it was good that “we develop the spirit of brotherhood irrespective of party, nationalities" Hon. Aidoo however pointed out that Hon. Abodakpi is treated like any other prisoner though he still remains a MP.

He disclosed that the Committee on Interior will be visiting some of the prisons in the country and that Nsawam prison will be one of them.

He stated that, the Honourable Abodakpi hoped that, justice is found with the system.

Some of the Members of Parliament who paid the visit included, Hon. Paul Collins Appiah-Ofori, MP for Esikuma Odoben¬ Brakwa, Hon. Doe Adjaho, MP for Avenor¬ Ave.


Source: The Independent