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The Ashanti Regional Chaplain for Prisons, Rev. Mrs. Superintendent Stella Ama Anku Katso, has made a passionate appeal to parents and guardians to regularly visit and support their incarcerated wards, emphasizing that imprisonment does not define a person’s future.
Speaking at an outreach event where True Faith Church International, Edwinase Hilltop branch, provided food and spiritual support to 150 inmates of Kumasi Central Prison, Rev. Katso urged families to show love and care to prisoners, as their emotional and psychological well-being depends heavily on family support.
“Being in Prison Doesn’t Mean a Person is Lost”
Rev. Katso encouraged parents to erase the stigma associated with imprisonment and visit their loved ones in prison.
“We shouldn’t abandon our wards in prison. No matter what they have done, they are still our children. Visit them, encourage them, and remind them that they are loved. Bring them food, clothing, and toiletries to make their lives in prison more bearable,” she advised.
She further stated that parents can even prepare home-cooked meals for their wards, helping them feel a sense of family connection rather than rejection.
“We Are All Potential Prisoners”
Rev. Katso reminded society that anyone can end up in prison, regardless of their status, profession, or background.
“One wrong decision, a misunderstanding, or even false accusations can land anyone in prison. That is why we must be vigilant and careful in our actions, conversations, friendships, and choices,” she cautioned.
She emphasized that freedom is precious and must never be taken for granted, urging people to live responsibly and make choices that align with God’s will.
Support for Ex-Convicts is Crucial
Rev. Katso also urged families and society to embrace and support ex-convicts when they are discharged from prison, warning that neglecting them could push them back into crime.
“When prisoners are released, they need a place to stay, food to eat, and love from their families. If we reject them, they will return to the very people and habits that led them into crime. But if we welcome them, they have a chance to rebuild their lives,” she explained.
A Call to Action for Families and Society
Rev. Katso concluded by calling on families, religious institutions, and society at large to play a role in reforming prisoners and reintegrating them into society.
“A prisoner today could be your neighbor tomorrow. Let us show them love, support, and guidance so they can return as better citizens,” she urged.
Her message resonated strongly as True Faith Church International, Edwinase Hilltop branch, fed 150 inmates of Kumasi Central Prison and shared the Word of God with them, reinforcing the need for spiritual and emotional support for prisoners.
Conclusion
Rev. Katso’s appeal serves as a wake-up call to families and society to change their mindset about prisoners, offering them hope, love, and support rather than abandonment. By doing so, she believes many ex-convicts can be transformed into productive members of society, preventing them from falling back into crime.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
