Broadcaster, journalist and YOKAMA 2025, Clara Mlano, marked her birthday by commissioning a major humanitarian intervention at the Akuse Local Prison, unveiling the Akuse Prison Reformation Project aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of inmates.
The initiative, officially unveiled on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, saw the renovation of prison cells, the donation of agricultural equipment and a fellowship meal with inmates, transforming what would ordinarily have been a personal birthday celebration into a day of hope, restoration and compassion.
Speaking at the event, Clara Mlano said the project was inspired through prayer after she was honoured by the Konor and the people of Krobo in 2025. She explained that she sought God’s direction on a legacy project that would have a lasting impact on society.
“Last year, after I was honoured by the Konor and Krobo people, I went into prayer and asked the Lord what legacy project He wanted me to undertake. He laid on my heart the Akuse Prison Reformation Project. At first, it felt too big for me. But then I remembered His word: ‘There is nothing too hard for Him,'” she said.
According to her, the project also carries deep personal significance, reminding her of a story surrounding her birth that was shared by her late mother.
She disclosed that after engaging the management of the Akuse Local Prison to identify its most pressing needs, work commenced on the project.
Nine months later, she said, approximately 90% of the identified needs have been met. The establishment of a prison clinic, which is the final phase of the intervention remains.
“Nine months later, by the grace of God, we are here to fulfil that promise, with 90% of their requests completed. The remaining 10%, a clinic, I believe the Lord will make possible in His time,” she stated.
As part of the project, the prison cells were fully renovated and the facility given a facelift to improve the living environment of inmates and restore their sense of dignity.
The intervention also included the donation of farm equipment comprising knapsack sprayers, cutlasses, Wellington boots and agrochemicals to support agricultural activities at the prison under the Prison 360 Initiative.
Unveiling the completed works, Clara Mlano said the project was intended to remind inmates that they remain valued members of society despite their circumstances.
“We have fully renovated the cells and given the entire facility a fresh look, to remind our brothers here that they are not forgotten,” she noted.
Beyond the infrastructural improvements and donations, the celebration took a deeply personal turn as Clara Mlano, together with her partners and supporters, shared food and drinks with the inmates.
Rather than holding a private birthday party elsewhere, she chose to dine with the inmates, describing the gesture as a demonstration of love, inclusion and shared humanity.
“Because we are one family, we are here today to share food and drinks, and to dine together,” she said.
She expressed appreciation that her partners are supportive in the project and thanked the management of the Akuse Local Prison for embracing the initiative and providing the opportunity to serve.
“To my partners, thank you for your support in making this possible. To the management of Akuse Prisons, thank you for opening your doors to us and for the opportunity to serve. God bless us all,” she added.
The Akuse Prison Reformation Project is expected to contribute significantly to improving the welfare of inmates while promoting rehabilitation and reintegration through enhanced living conditions and support for the prison’s agricultural programme.
For many of the inmates, the day was more than the commissioning of a project. It was a reminder that society has not forgotten them, and that acts of compassion can restore hope, dignity and the belief in a second chance.
