Spokesperson to Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has disclosed that the politician is advocating a dedicated hospital for prisoners and prison officers following nearly 105 days at Nsawam Prison.
Dr Boakye-Danquah made the disclosure while presenting submissions on behalf of Chairman Wontumi, explaining that the proposal would bring together public and private sector support to establish a specialist facility comparable to the 37 Military Hospital, Afari Hospital and the Police Hospital.
“A dedicated hospital for prisoners and prison officers is not a luxury; it is a necessary investment in healthcare, safety and human welfare.”
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Spokesperson
Dr Boakye-Danquah explained that Chairman Wontumi’s experience in custody had reinforced concerns about prison officers’ welfare and the conditions in which inmates live.
He noted that prison officers carry the responsibility of opening prison doors for inmates each day and ensuring they return to their cells. Their welfare, he argued, must receive greater attention alongside that of prisoners.
According to the spokesperson, Nsawam Prison was constructed in 1960 to accommodate about 500 people but now houses approximately 3,500 inmates. The facility’s infirmary, he added, is too small to meet the healthcare needs of such a large population.
Chairman Wontumi is engaging friends and partners internationally to mobilise capital for a hospital dedicated to prisoners and prison officers across the country.
Overcrowding Limits Classification of Prisoners
Dr Boakye-Danquah explained that inmates suffer from various ailments, underlying conditions, tuberculosis, contagious diseases and terminal illnesses, requiring a facility with greater capacity.
The spokesperson also raised concerns about the limited separation of inmates according to their offences. He explained that inadequate infrastructure and space mean people convicted of murder, stealing, armed robbery and defilement may be housed in the same facilities.
He warned that mixing inmates convicted of different offences could expose vulnerable prisoners to further harm. According to him, some young inmates between 18 and 35 years imprisoned for defilement allegedly continue engaging in sexual acts while in custody.
“Nsawam Prison was built to accommodate 500 inmates but now houses about 3,500. This overcrowding demands urgent prison expansion and reforms.”
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah,Spokesperson
Dr Boakye-Danquah claimed that such conduct could include rape involving male or female inmates, and argued that prison expansion would allow authorities to classify prisoners more appropriately.
Spokesperson Raises Alleged Security Threat
Dr Boakye-Danquah further recounted an alleged attempt to poison Chairman Wontumi while he was in custody. He stated that members of the team received information from inmates who had befriended him and alerted prison authorities to strengthen security around him.
He explained that the alleged threat was one reason Chairman Wontumi spent considerable time at the infirmary, where he had personal security and consumed food and water brought for him.
The spokesperson also disclosed that Chairman Wontumi arrived in custody alongside about 55 other inmates or accused persons from EOCO, the NIB and other institutions, and provided them with financial support.
According to Dr Boakye-Danquah, he paid GH¢5,000 for each inmate and assisted some to secure bail. He cited GH¢80,000 paid for two inmates, amounting to GH¢40,000 each, as well as GH¢5,000 payments for about 20 others.
Dr Boakye-Danquah also referred to the expression “Pay, pay, pay”, which he stated was commonly heard in prison. He recounted asking Chairman Wontumi what it meant and relaying the explanation he received about sexual activity between men in custody.
Wontumi’s Health Concerns During Remand
The spokesperson recounted that Chairman Wontumi experienced health difficulties during his period in custody, including elevated blood sugar and low blood pressure.
He disclosed that on July 14, after the first 14-day remand period, Chairman Wontumi was unwell and his blood sugar level had risen to 31, requiring treatment at the prison infirmary.
Dr Boakye-Danquah added that Wontumi was again unwell when he was due to return to court about two weeks later, in early September, and had to be assessed and managed at the infirmary.
He expressed hope that the Medical Director of the Prisons Service would advise the court on Chairman Wontumi’s medical condition.
Call for Wider Prison Reforms
Dr Boakye-Danquah maintained that the concerns raised by Chairman Wontumi reflect broader challenges in Ghana’s prisons, particularly overcrowding, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and the welfare of officers.
He urged authorities to consider the proposed hospital alongside expanded facilities that would enable proper classification of inmates and improve access to medical care.
“Prison reform must go beyond addressing overcrowding. We need expanded facilities, a dedicated hospital and stronger healthcare systems to protect inmates and prison officers while ensuring their safety, dignity and proper rehabilitation.”
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Spokesperson
The proposal calls for public and private sector collaboration to address health needs within the prison system, while ensuring that inmates and officers receive appropriate care.
He said these experiences reinforced the need for a prison system that protects inmates, provides healthcare and safeguards officers properly.
READ MORE: POS Foundation Raises Alarm Over Ghana’s Prison Health Conditions
