The Chairman of Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, Mr Ernest Yaw Anim, has raised alarm over the “deplorable” state of feeding and general welfare conditions in Ghana’s prisons, describing them as an affront to human dignity. 

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Kumawu MP said the current daily feeding rate of GH¢1.80 per inmate is woefully inadequate and undermines the rights of those in custody.

“Prisoners are entirely dependent on the state for their nutrition and welfare,” Mr Anim stated. “This rate cannot provide even a basic, nutritious meal in today’s economic climate.” 

He noted that under the Ghana School Feeding Programme, schoolchildren are given GH¢2.00 a day—more than what is allocated to inmates who remain in detention around the clock.

The MP cited findings from a recent fact-finding mission to Nsawam Medium Security Prison, revealing overcrowding of over 400%, limited access to clean water, and widespread malnutrition. 

“Some inmates are serving long sentences without adequate nourishment, relying on charity and family support to survive,” he added.

Mr Anim called for an immediate review of the feeding rate, a dedicated budget for prison infrastructure in the mid-year budget, and comprehensive prison reforms. 

“We cannot claim to be a just and democratic nation if we continue to treat the most vulnerable among us in such a manner,” he said.