The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has extended humanitarian support to more than 2,500 inmates at the Kumasi Central Prison, providing meals and free legal aid services as part of an outreach initiative in the Ashanti Region.
The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with Jofel Restaurant, his wife Dr Charis Assafuah, and a team of legal and health professionals within the Kumasi Metropolis, saw the group dine with inmates while offering free health screening and legal consultations.
As part of the exercise, Assafuah received case files of approximately 20 inmates, with a commitment to pursue pro bono appeals on their behalf, particularly for those who may have suffered miscarriages of justice within the legal system.
The annual outreach programme, he noted, is aimed at reminding inmates that they remain an integral part of society despite their circumstances.
Assafuah has also been a vocal advocate for improved inmate welfare, especially in relation to feeding. He has consistently called for an upward review of the daily feeding allowance for prisoners, arguing that the previous GH¢1.80 allocation was inadequate.
His advocacy contributed to government’s decision to increase the amount to GH¢5 per inmate per day.
Speaking to the media during the visit, Assafuah commended the government for responding to concerns about inmate welfare.
“This adjustment is a step in the right direction, but we must ensure swift and full implementation to truly improve the living conditions of inmates,” he stated.
He further urged members of the public to consider inmate welfare as a shared civic responsibility, adding, “We must all play our part. Visiting and supporting inmates sends a strong message that they are not forgotten and still have a place in society after reformation.”
The gesture was met with overwhelming appreciation from both inmates and prison authorities, who expressed gratitude for the visit and presented him with a citation of honour.
The atmosphere at the facility became lively as inmates cheered, sang in unison, and danced to music performed by their own live band, adding a deeply human and uplifting touch to the occasion.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com