Prison reforms: Wontumi proposes dedicated prison hospital, conjugal visits for inmates

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called for sweeping reforms in Ghana’s prisons, including the establishment of a dedicated prison hospital, improved welfare for prison officers and the introduction of conjugal visits for inmates.

His proposals follow what he describes as a period of deep reflection and first-hand exposure to prison conditions, officers and inmates since his conviction in July 2026.

Chairman Wontumi argues that Ghana’s correctional system must move beyond punishment to focus on rehabilitation, welfare and productivity, insisting that the country’s prisons require significant structural and institutional improvements.

He said the system had seen little structural improvement since 1962 and called for a renewed national conversation on how inmates are treated and prepared for life after incarceration.

“Not all prisoners are prisoners,” he said, stressing the need to distinguish between offenders and to ensure that the correctional system serves its intended purpose of reform.

One of the key areas he highlighted is the welfare and remuneration of prison officers, arguing that their working conditions must be addressed as part of broader efforts to improve the service.

He is also proposing a dedicated prison hospital to provide healthcare for inmates, alongside improved infrastructure and better conditions within the country’s correctional facilities.

On inmate management, Chairman Wontumi called for a proper classification system to prevent minor offenders from being held alongside persons convicted of serious crimes, including armed robbery.

He also raised concerns about the circumstances of young male inmates, particularly those aged between 18 and 35 who are incarcerated in connection with defilement cases. He argued that prolonged incarceration without adequate counselling and rehabilitation could expose inmates to further social and behavioural challenges.

He is therefore advocating stronger counselling services and appropriate classification to address the different needs and circumstances of inmates.

Chairman Wontumi further proposed improved family visitation arrangements, including designated spaces where children can visit their parents and other relatives in prison in a more suitable environment.

He also called for the expansion of prison agriculture and improvements in infrastructure, suggesting that rehabilitation should include productive activities that can help inmates develop skills and prepare for reintegration into society.

To drive the proposed changes, he wants the Speaker of Parliament to lead discussions on prison reform, with both the Majority and Minority sides working together to ensure that proposals considered by Parliament translate into concrete action.

He has also called on the parliamentary select committees on Defence and Interior, as well as Health, and Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, to undertake working visits to prisons across the country to assess conditions first-hand.

According to him, such visits would allow the committees to identify the challenges facing inmates and prison officers and recommend practical measures to improve the correctional system.

Chairman Wontumi said his experience since July had led him to question whether Ghana’s prisons were adequately fulfilling their rehabilitative role, arguing that urgent reforms were needed to make the system more effective.