- Parliament’s Human Rights Committee applauds release of 998 inmates
- Amnesty seen as response to overcrowded, under-resourced prisons
- Committee recommends increasing daily feeding budget from GH¢1.80 to GH¢5
Parliament’s Human Rights Committee has praised President John Dramani Mahama for granting presidential amnesty to 998 inmates across the country, calling the move “a step in the right direction” and a demonstration of strong commitment to human dignity within the justice system.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ernest Yaw Anim, the Committee welcomed the decision, describing it as both timely and necessary given persistent concerns about overcrowding and poor prison conditions in Ghana.
“We view this development with great excitement and appreciation, and consider it a shared commitment to the promotion of human dignity,” the statement read.
The Committee referred to its recent visit to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison on May 19, 2025, where members assessed inmate welfare and urged government action to improve prison infrastructure nationwide. The amnesty, they noted, addresses some of the issues raised during that visit.
Despite this positive development, the Committee renewed its call for a significant increase in the daily feeding allowance for prisoners, which currently stands at just GH¢1.80.
“We urge the government to raise this to at least GH¢5 to safeguard the rights of prisoners and ensure adherence to both local and international human rights standards,” Mr. Anim stated.
He emphasized that such reforms are essential to building a more just, equitable, and progressive society.
