President John Dramani Mahama has announced a GH¢100 million allocation in the 2027 Budget to complete the abandoned remand prison block at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison next year.
The facility is intended to provide separate accommodation for remand prisoners who are awaiting trial and have not been convicted of any offence.
President Mahama announced the allocation on Saturday, November 7, at the second induction service of Reverend Stephen Yenusom Wengam as General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, and the inauguration of the Church’s new Executive Presbytery officers in Accra.
He credited Reverend Wengam’s work with the Prisons Council with drawing attention to the conditions of remand prisoners, particularly the practice of housing them alongside convicted inmates.
“Remand prisoners have not been convicted, so they are not criminals. But convicted prisoners, you can say, are criminals,” he said.
President Mahama said construction of the remand facility began during his previous administration but stalled after he left office.
“I am happy to say that we will complete it next year,” he said.
He commended Rev. Wengam for his work to improve the welfare and rehabilitation of vulnerable people, and acknowledged his service as Chairman of the Lordina Foundation from 2017 to 2022.
President Mahama also recognised the Church’s contributions to education, healthcare and community welfare, saying such interventions complemented government’s development efforts.
He urged religious institutions to sustain their support for communities and appealed to the Assemblies of God, Ghana, to continue praying for his government and offering constructive counsel.
He also congratulated Rev. Wengam on his election for a second term as General Superintendent.
GNA
