CHRISTMAS PARTY HELD FOR INMATES AT TAMALE CENTRAL PRISON

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CHRISTMAS PARTY HELD FOR INMATES AT TAMALE CENTRAL PRISON

The Tamale Central and Female Prisons on Tuesday hosted a festive Christmas celebration party for 300 inmates, courtesy of Executive Chef Faila, a Guinness World Record Cook-a-thon contender. The initiative aimed at spreading goodwill and reinforcing the importance of rehabilitation and hope among inmates.

The event was graced by the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, and the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Hon. Prof. Alidu Seidu. A guard of honour was mounted in honour of the Minister upon his arrival before the delegation proceeded to the prison premises.

Addressing the gathering, Chef Faila said the gesture was to remind inmates that they are not forgotten. Drawing parallels between the overwhelming public support she received during her 10-day cook-a-thon and the collective responsibility to support inmate rehabilitation, she encouraged inmates to turn over a new leaf and embrace positive change.

The Northern Regional Minister commended the Deputy Director of Prisons, DDP Obed Kofi Acquaye, and officers of the Ghana Prisons Service for their dedication to public safety and inmate reform. He referenced the biblical story of Joseph (Genesis 39) to underscore the values of perseverance, discipline, and redemption, urging inmates to respect authority and focus on self-improvement.

DDP Acquaye expressed appreciation to the Minister and the Member of Parliament for honouring the occasion. He highlighted key challenges confronting the facility, including the need for expanded workshops to accommodate the growing inmate population of about 300, the acquisition of a septic emptier to improve sanitation, and persistent water shortages during the dry season.

Inmates also appealed for support in the areas of vocational training, post-release employment opportunities, and the provision of a water tanker to address perennial water challenges. The public was encouraged to support through the PISPES account code 9721*3001#.

The event featured goodwill messages from representatives of the DVLA and NHIS, musical performances, and a buffet for inmates. Awards were presented to outstanding inmates in categories such as Most Hardworking Inmate, Most Respected Inmate, and Best Dancer.