The meager allocation for feeding prisoners in Ghana has sparked public outcry with many people calling on the government to urgently review the budget.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb on May 27, 2025, a retired prison officer who requested anonymity shared heartbreaking insights into the dire conditions inmates face daily.

“This issue has persisted for years despite numerous appeals for change. At times, we have had to buy kenkey for some inmates ourselves because the funds allocated for their meals are simply inadequate,” she lamented.

According to the former officer, the budget does not even account for the cost of gas needed to prepare hot meals.

She acknowledged the crucial role faith-based organisations and philanthropists play in supplementing prisoner meals, stressing that without their support, inmates would starve.

“Right now, three cedis can't even buy porridge and bread for a child, yet prisoners are expected to survive on just 60 pesewas per meal. This amount can barely buy sachet water,” the retired officer explained.

Appealing for a review, the ex-officer emphasised the fact that not all prisoners are guilty of serious crimes.

Some inmates, she noted, were jailed over minor infractions or unfortunate accidents.

“Anyone can end up in prison, even politicians. That’s why it’s crucial to remember that incarceration is meant for correction-not starvation. Please, help us,” she pleaded.

Her remarks follow a similar appeal made by a prison officer in a media engagement with Kumasi-based Mercury FM shared on X on May 25, 2025.

In the video which has since gone viral, the officer revealed that prisoners receive just GH¢1.80 per day for three meals with each costing a mere 60 pesewas.

“We feed them on GH¢1.80 daily. Breakfast costs 60 pesewas, and the same goes for lunch and dinner,” he explained.

Highlighting the scale of the crisis, she pointed out that feeding 1,006 inmates at this rate barely amounts to GH¢1,000 in total.

“Imagine the people behind bars, what kind of meal can 60 pesewas realistically provide?” he questioned.

Watch video below

“Prisoners are fed with 60 pesewas per meal, totaling GH¢1.80 per prisoner for a day”

—Ghanaian prison officer reveals government’s budget allocation for incarcerated persons. pic.twitter.com/DhRe1YSyek

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) May 24, 2025