Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called for sweeping reforms in Ghana's prison system, months after his own incarceration.

In a statement issued on his behalf by his spokesperson, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, on October 27, 2026, Wontumi outlined his concerns and proposed reforms in a 12-point document for consideration and action by the relevant authorities.

Key among his proposals are improvements to prison infrastructure to address overcrowding, better healthcare facilities, the introduction of conjugal visits, and inmate segregation, among other measures.

Following his incarceration on July 20, 2026, Wontumi says the experience has given him firsthand insight into the conditions faced by both prison officers and inmates.

He has therefore appealed to the Speaker of Parliament, the Majority Leader, the Minority Leader, the Attorney-General, the Chief Justice and the government to prioritise the proposed reforms.

He said the measures would help address existing challenges and improve the welfare of inmates and prison officers.

Below are the 12 prison reforms he is proposing.

1. Measures to address overcrowding and infectious diseases

Chairman Wontumi has raised concerns about inmates with tuberculosis reportedly sharing sleeping spaces with healthy prisoners.

He has called for urgent measures to improve sanitation, reduce the risk of infectious diseases and provide safer living conditions for inmates.

2. A dedicated prison hospital

He has called for the construction of an ultra-modern hospital to provide medical care to inmates across the country.

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He said the lack of dedicated healthcare facilities, ambulances and standby generators in some prisons makes it difficult to manage serious illnesses.

As an interim measure, he proposed emergency arrangements with the 37 Military Hospital and the Police Hospital.

3. Proper classification of inmates

Chairman Wontumi has called for inmates to be classified according to their offences and security risks.

He argued that minor offenders should not be housed alongside convicted armed robbers, while persons facing serious charges, including treason and terrorism, should be appropriately classified.

4. Counselling and rehabilitation for young inmates

He has called for improved counselling and rehabilitation programmes, particularly for young inmates.

He raised concerns about young men aged between 18 and 35 serving time for defilement-related offences and argued that appropriate classification and behavioural support are necessary to address challenges within the prison environment.

5. Family and conjugal visitation

Chairman Wontumi has proposed dedicated private spaces where inmates can receive visits from their spouses and children.

He argued that imprisonment should not mean that the families of inmates must also suffer the consequences of separation.

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He believes regulated family and conjugal visits could help preserve marriages, reduce tension and support rehabilitation.

6. Clear policy on LGBTQI+ inmates

He urged the authorities to establish clear policy guidelines on the classification and management of LGBTQI+ inmates within the prison system.

7. Improved welfare for prison officers

Chairman Wontumi has called on the government to review the salaries, accommodation and conditions of service of Ghana Prisons Service officers.

He believes better working conditions are necessary to strengthen the service and improve the management of correctional facilities.

8. Agricultural support for prison farms

He appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to provide agricultural machinery and other support to prison farms.

According to him, the Prisons Service has access to land and labour but faces equipment shortages, which limit its agricultural potential.

He cited the reported availability of only one tractor for farming and waste-management activities.

9. Modern prison infrastructure and factories

Chairman Wontumi called for increased government and private-sector investment in modern prison facilities and factories.

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He claimed that the prison system had experienced little structural improvement since 1962 and believes investment could create better living conditions and productive opportunities for inmates.

10. Prison commanders' involvement in justice-sector deliberations

He has proposed involving regional prison commanders in relevant jury and justice-sector deliberations.

He argued that prison authorities should contribute to discussions on the correctional process because they are responsible for managing offenders after sentencing.

“The real job begins after judgement,” he said.

11. A new Prison Reform Act

Chairman Wontumi appealed to the Speaker of Parliament and the Majority and Minority caucuses to work together to pass a new Prison Reform Act.
He wants Parliament to approve funding for a dedicated prison hospital, ambulance services, generators and agricultural equipment.

He also urged parliamentary select committees responsible for Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to visit prisons nationwide to assess conditions firsthand.

12. A new approach to prisons across Africa

Chairman Wontumi believes Ghana can lead efforts to transform prison systems across Africa.

He called for a shift from punishment to rehabilitation, welfare and productivity, suggesting that even the name used for prisons should be reconsidered.

“At this experience since July 20th till date, prison doesn't reform as it should be. I pray that the entire Africa will learn from Ghana,” he said.

He appealed to the Speaker of Parliament, the Majority Leader, the Minority Leader, the Attorney-General, the Chief Justice and the government to prioritise the proposed reforms.

Chairman Wontumi urged the government, Parliament and key justice-sector institutions to treat prison reform as a national priority, arguing that improved healthcare, better living conditions and effective rehabilitation are essential to protecting inmates’ welfare and preparing them for reintegration into society.

He believes a united effort by the Majority and Minority caucuses, led by the Speaker of Parliament, could pave the way for the legal and financial reforms needed to transform Ghana’s prisons.

MRA/VPO

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