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Manhyia Local Prison has received a timely donation of GH₵5,000, food, and drinks from Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Parliamentary Candidate for the Manhyia South Constituency. The donation was made under a newly established health fund named after the former Member of Parliament, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, and is aimed at improving the health conditions of inmates at the prison.
Speaking during the presentation, Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah emphasized that the fund is part of his broader vision to enhance the well-being of prisoners, stating that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) does not cover all the healthcare needs of the inmates. “I named the health fund after my predecessor, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, in recognition of his generous contributions to the constituents of Manhyia South. This fund will act as a supplement to the NHIS, which doesn’t cover everything, particularly for the prisoners,” Lawyer Awuah explained.
In addition to the health initiative, he also highlighted his commitment to continuing the infrastructure development projects initiated by Dr. Opoku Prempeh. These projects, according to him, are crucial to enhancing the working conditions of prison officers. “The projects my predecessor started will continue under my leadership, with the aim of easing the movement of officers and making their work more effective,” he said.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Manhyia Local Prison, DDP Joseph Asabre, expressed deep appreciation for the donation, noting that it arrived at a critical time. “This donation comes as a huge relief, especially in addressing some of the health-related debts we owe for certain inmates,” DDP Asabre said. He went on to commend Lawyer Awuah for his thoughtfulness and encouraged other individuals and organizations to support the prison.
“The prison faces many challenges, ranging from inadequate food supplies to limited access to essential items like toiletries and medical resources,” DDP Asabre added, appealing for further assistance from philanthropists and the general public. “Any form of support—whether it is food, money, toiletries, or other essential items—would be greatly appreciated,” he concluded.
The donation by Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah is seen as a crucial step in addressing the numerous challenges faced by the prison and its inmates, particularly in the area of healthcare. His commitment to both the welfare of prisoners and the well-being of the prison staff underscores the importance of community involvement in supporting the prison system in Ghana.
The health fund in honour of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is expected to make a significant impact, as it aims to bridge the healthcare gaps for prisoners, contributing to an overall improvement in their living conditions.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
