UNODC/PRISONS SERVICE OBSERVE NELSON MANDELA DAY.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the Ghana Prisons Service, on 18th July, 2024, commemorated the Nelson Mandela International Day.

The ceremony which took place at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison called for global engagement to make the world a better place for everyone irrespective of where one finds himself.

The celebration which is marked annually honors the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his dedication to the service of humanity, emphasizing conflict resolution, race relations, reconciliation, human rights protection, gender equality, the rights of children and other vulnerable groups.

The day also raises awareness on the importance of promoting humane conditions of imprisonment and valuing the work of prison officers as a social service of particular importance.

The Deputy Director General of Prisons (DDGP) in charge of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq.) made a few remarks on behalf of the Director-General of Prisons. She said “Nelson Mandela’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, forgiveness, and the relentless pursuit of justice”.

According to Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie, Mandela’s 27 years of incarceration was not a defeat but a crucible that forged a leader who would emerge to guide South Africa through its most transformative era”.

She also mentioned that, “Prisons are erroneously often perceived solely as places of punishment, but Mandela’s legacy challenges us to view them as space of rehabilitation and transformation”.

The UNODC Project Coordinator, Christoph Capelle in his remarks said the Nelson Mandela day reminds us of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the treatment of Prisoners to treat all prisoners with respect irrespective of their gender, race, religion, tribe and social status.

Present were the Director of Prisons (DOP) in charge of Health, Madam Gloria Essandoh (Esq.), DOP. in charge of Welfare, Mrs. Joana Fofo Tackie-Otoo, Officer In charge (OIC) of Nsawam Medium Security Prison, ADP. Patrick Thomas Seidu, OIC of Nsawam Female Prison, ADP. Victoria Adzewodah, and OIC of Nsawam Camp Prison, ADP. Joseph Vuu.

Also present were the UNODC Associate Programme Officer, Ms. Helena Ofori, UNODC Administrative Officer, Mr. Caleb Agodzo and former Black Stars players John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda.

UNODC also donated 2 table tennis boards, bats and balls, volleyballs, basketballs, gloves and footballs to the Nsawam Male and Female Prisons. The ceremony was followed by a commemorative football match between Ghana Prisons Service staff and inmates. The staff won the game by 1- 0.

Story by: ASP. Ebenezer Mensah-Abrompah