Former President John Dramani Mahama has increased the daily prison feeding grant from GHS 1.80 to GHS 5. This change is meant to improve the welfare of prisoners and ensure they get better meals despite the rising cost of food. The new adjustment shows the government’s commitment to treating prisoners with dignity and care.
The increased prison feeding grant to GHS 5 decision was confirmed by the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie. She explained that the old grant of GHS 1.80 was not enough to provide nutritious meals, as contractors often reduced the food value to just about GHS 1 per prisoner. The new amount is expected to ease pressure on prison authorities and improve daily meals for inmates.
During a parliamentary session, the Ghana Prisons Service revealed that they had proposed GHS 10 per inmate per day, but the government approved GHS 5. Mahama also directed that an additional GHS 10 million be released to cover the last quarter of the year. However, the funds are yet to be disbursed, causing concerns about delays.
Authorities warned that poor meals can cause prison unrest and even riots, putting officers at risk. As Patience Baffoe-Bonnie noted, “if there are riots, prison officers become the first target before any intervention.” This highlights why the increased prison feeding grant to GHS 5 step is critical for safety and stability.
To reduce dependence on government funds, the Prison Service has introduced the “Kitchen Support Project,” which requires prisons across the country to run small farms, gardens, fish ponds, and poultry projects. These initiatives help provide extra food and ease pressure on the budget.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed also admitted that while GHS 5 is an improvement, it is still not enough. He explained that the real cost of feeding an adult is at least GHS 7.50. He promised more reforms, including prison farming and industrialization projects, to make the system sustainable.
Although the increment is far below the proposal, the increased prison feeding grant to GHS 5 move is seen as a vital first step in reforming prison conditions in Ghana. It not only supports inmate welfare but also reduces the risk of health issues and disturbances in the prison system.
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