By Juliet Mettle-Edmonds
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has supported the Ghana Prisons Service with some medical equipment to enhance healthcare within the Service.
The donation is in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules for improving conditions and management of the Prisons.
The Nelson Mandela Rules for improving conditions and management of the Prisons emphasize the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says the health of Prisoners is its priority, hence the three-year project sponsored by the United States Embassy. Its objective is to enhance the Ghana Prisons Service’s capacity to meet international regulations governing effective prison management, notably the Nelson Mandela Rules.
The medical equipment includes a physiotherapy bed, Stethoscopes, diagnostic sets, patients’ trolleys, emergency trauma bag, autoclave, patient screens, ECG machines, IV stand among others.
The Director General of Prisons Mr. Isaac Egyir promised the presentation will enhance quality healthcare delivery for not only inmates but officers as well.
The Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in Ghana Mr. Rolf Olson said effective correction institutions contribute to public safety, societal stability and government legitimacy. He emphasized the need to treat prisoners with respect and dignity, so that when their sentence is complete, they can reintegrate into society healthy.
According to the representative of UNODC Ms. Vera Tkanhenko, more than 11 million are in places of detention and many of these prisoners are forgotten.
The Minister for the Interior Mr. Ambrose Dery, said the Government will continue to put in place measures to improve prison conditions.
So far, UNODC has facilitated the training of 1,500 officers to improve their skills, knowledge and attitude through the Nelson Mandela Rules as well as supported the Service during the outbreak of COVID-19.
The project is an initiative of the United State of America, United State Embassy in Ghana and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
