Former Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called for sweeping reforms in Ghana’s prison system, including the construction of a dedicated prison hospital, improved welfare for officers and the introduction of regulated conjugal visits for inmates.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, by his spokesperson, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, following visits to the politician since he was remanded into custody on July 20, 2026.
According to the statement, Wontumi’s time in custody has prompted him to reflect on the conditions in Ghana’s prisons and the need to move the correctional system beyond punishment towards rehabilitation, welfare and productivity.
He believes the prison system has experienced limited structural improvement since 1962 and is urging the government, Parliament and other relevant institutions to prioritise reforms.
“Not all prisoners are prisoners,” the statement quoted him as saying, arguing that the circumstances of inmates differ and should be considered in how they are housed, treated and rehabilitated.
One of his major concerns is the absence of a dedicated, well-equipped hospital to serve inmates across the country. He also cited reported shortages of ambulances and standby generators in some facilities, warning that these gaps make it difficult to provide adequate care for seriously ill prisoners.
He is therefore calling for the construction of an ultra-modern prison hospital and, as an interim measure, emergency referral arrangements with the 37 Military Hospital and the Police Hospital.
The statement also raises concerns about overcrowding and the mixing of inmates with different security risks and legal circumstances. It alleges that minor offenders are housed alongside armed robbery convicts, while people facing treason and terrorism charges may be held with ordinary prisoners.
Wontumi is advocating a classification system that considers the nature of offences, security risks and the rehabilitation needs of inmates.
He has also called for improved access to healthcare, particularly for inmates with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, and stronger counselling and rehabilitation programmes.
On family welfare, the NPP regional chairman is proposing designated private areas where inmates can receive visits from their spouses and children under regulated conditions.
He argues that maintaining family relationships could reduce tension, preserve marriages and support rehabilitation.
“It is the prisoner who is in prison, not the children or spouse,” the statement said, explaining the rationale behind the proposed visitation arrangements.
Beyond prison healthcare and family visits, Wontumi wants government to improve the salaries, accommodation and working conditions of prison officers.
He has also appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support prison farms with equipment, saying the Ghana Prisons Service has land and skilled labour but faces limitations in agricultural machinery.
He is further urging Parliament to lead a bipartisan reform process, including consideration of a new Prison Reform Act and budgetary allocations for healthcare, ambulances, generators and agricultural equipment.
The statement calls on the Speaker of Parliament, the Majority and Minority caucuses, and the parliamentary select committees responsible for Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to visit prisons and assess conditions firsthand.
Wontumi was sentenced by an Accra High Court on July 20, 2026, to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after being convicted of illegal mining-related offences involving the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
He also urged African countries to rethink their prison systems, saying Ghana could take a leading role in reform across the continent.
