President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to complete the abandoned remand prison block at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison in 2027, with GH¢100 million allocated for the project in next year’s budget.

The facility is expected to provide separate accommodation for remand prisoners who are awaiting trial and have not been convicted of any offence.

President Mahama made the announcement on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the second induction service of Reverend Stephen Yenusom Wengam as General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, in Accra.

BoG introduces award to promote economic and financial journalism

He said the project is important because people awaiting trial should not be kept in the same conditions as those who have already been convicted.

“Remand prisoners have not been convicted, so they are not criminals. But convicted prisoners, you can say, are criminals,” he said.

He also credited Reverend Wengam’s work with the Prisons Council, including the ‘Efiase’ project, with drawing attention to the conditions of remand prisoners and the need to protect their dignity.

He disclosed that construction of the remand block started during his previous administration but was abandoned after he left office.

“I am happy to say that we will complete it next year,” he said.

He further said religious institutions continued to play an important role in national development through their contributions to education, healthcare and community welfare, and urged the Assemblies of God, Ghana, to sustain their support and continue offering prayers and constructive advice to his government.

ANAS/EB

“Uganda Airlines Cuts Ghana Travel Time from 10 Hours to 5” – Minister