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Regional News of Monday, 14 April 2014

Source: GNA

No subvention for upkeep of inmates at Swedru correctional center

Mr. Bernard B Bananzi, Principal of the Agona Swedru Junior Boys Correctional Center and Vocational Training Institute has said for over two years now, government has not released subvention to take care of the inmates at the Center.

Mr. Bananzi made this known at the inauguration of a dining hall, kitchen, and a recreational center at the school at Agona Swedru, jointly financed by Plan Ghana and the European Union.

According to the Principal, failure on the part of government to release funds has made it extremely difficult for the authorities to feed the inmates.

He said the situation has compelled authorities of the school to dip their hands into their pockets before the inmates are fed.

Mr. Bananzi enumerated items donated to the school, and said they include 10 sewing machines, survey equipment, and three circular saws for carpentry department, gas cookers and cylinders, poly tank, 12 beds, 12 mattresses.

The Principal lamented that the young boys who have been convicted on various offences needed to be reformed.

He appealed to the Agona East and Agona West Assemblies to provide the centre with adequate classrooms, and a library, to ensure effective teaching and learning.

Mr. Bananzi said the school lacked a means of transport to convey students Inmates to practical programs outside the school premises.

Mr. Richard Boadu, Central Regional Unit Director of Plan Ghana, said it is the responsibility of the organization to help address problems of children who are marginalized.

Mrs. Queenster Sawyer, Deputy Central Regional Minister, commended Plan Ghana and the European Union for their assistance to the Center.

Mrs. Sawyer assured authorities of the school that government under will ensure that majority of the facilities lacking at the Centre are provided to enhance effective teaching and learning.

Mr. Samuel Oppong, Agona West Municipal Chief Executive, said the Assembly has donated 350 chairs and tables to the Center, and pledged that the second phase of the consignment will soon be given to the center.