Inmates in various prisons across Ghana face several challenges, with inadequate daily feeding being one of the most pressing.
The government allocates a mere GHC1.80 per inmate, which is widely regarded as insufficient. Additionally, there is a critical need for additional support in providing essential items for these inmates.
In light of these challenges, the Calvary Charismatic Centre (CCC) has stepped in to offer assistance to institutions like the Kumasi Central Prison and others. CCC has generously donated a substantial amount, nearly GH¢100,000, comprising food items and toiletries, among other essentials.
Pastor Joshua Obeng, who led the CCC delegation during this charitable endeavor, emphasized the importance of recognizing the human rights and humanity of prisoners.
He urged Ghanaians to extend their support to individuals incarcerated in various correctional facilities, highlighting that many prisoners are there for offenses that are no worse than what some people outside have committed.
He noted that CCC considers supporting inmates as a vital part of their mission.
“I think that as a country, it’s very important for us to realize that prisoners also have human rights and they are human beings. Sometimes when we talk about prisoners, most people don’t want to give or help. There are many things that people are in jail for that many people are out there doing worse. It’s just that the grace of God has kept you from being in prison.”
Pastor Joshua Obeng elaborated on CCC’s commitment to its vision of dedicated individuals fulfilling the great commission.
As part of this commitment, they have decided to prioritize supporting inmates every October. This support extends to multiple facilities, including the Amanfrom Prison and Manhyia Prison, and includes items such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, foodstuffs like rice and oil, as well as sanitary pads and even diapers for incarcerated mothers with children.
They also provide children’s clothing, and this charitable effort represents a significant financial commitment on the part of the Church.
“CCC’s vision is committed to people fulfilling the great commission. So, we decided that every month of October, we will emphasize our vision and urge our people to actually go ahead to practically do the things that we have been teaching in church. We have three other facilities—the Amanfrom Prison and Manhyia Prison. The items are soaps, toothpaste, brushes, toilet rolls, foodstuff such as rice, oil, sanitary pads for the women. We have diapers in them because we have some prisoners who have children. We have children’s clothes as well. It is costing the Church close to a hundred thousand Ghana cedis.”
In addition to presenting these items to the Kumasi Central Prison, members of CCC joined the inmates in worship, underlining their dedication to their mission. Furthermore, the church has plans to support hospitals with various items.
The authorities at the Kumasi Central Prison expressed their excitement and gratitude upon receiving these generous donations, emphasizing the importance of other groups following CCC’s example. They also called upon the public to contribute by providing teaching and learning materials to aid in the vocational training of inmates, a crucial part of their rehabilitation process.