Imprisonment should be rehabilitative, not punitive - Ghana Prisons boss at UNGA
Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Director-General of Prisons, called for a stronger focus on rehabilitation in prison systems at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), saying that punishment alone is not enough. She said, "Ghana reaffirms its conviction that imprisonment should be rehabilitative, not punitive. Every individual deserves a chance to rebuild their life through dignity and purpose." The remarks were made at a high-level debate on "A second chance: addressing the global prison challenge", held to mark the 10th anniversary of the Nelson Mandela Rules.
Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie stated that Ghana's Prison Service is undergoing a transformative shift from containment to correction, care, and a second chance. Ghana is aligning its system with international standards, including the Nelson Mandela Rules, the Bangkok Rules, and the Tokyo Rules. Progress has been made in separating men from women and juveniles from adults, but limited infrastructure constrains full classification. Three new camp prisons have been established to reduce overcrowding. Prison farms currently produce over 40% of daily rations. Over 700 inmates have participated in national exams. Staff are receiving training in human rights, conflict resolution, and correctional ethics. Ghana is working with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to improve inmate classification and case management.
The government plans to refurbish old prisons, build new ones, and establish an industrial hub within the prison system to equip inmates with practical skills.
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Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Director-General of Prisons, addressed the UNGA on prison reform. She spoke about Ghana's commitment to rehabilitation over punishment - but what changes are being made?
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