Minister expresses concern about jail break of notorious prisoner

Tamale, May 15, GNA - Mr. Moses Bukari Mabengba, Northern Regional Minister, has expressed concern about the jail break of a notorious armed robber from Tamale Central Prison, early this year. He called for disciplinary action to be taken against the personnel on duty when Johnson Kombian escaped from the prison to serve as a deterrent to others.

Kombian was serving a five-year jail term when he fled. "We are hearing reports that he is working in Nakpanduri but the indigenes fear to volunteer information about his whereabouts because he is a perpetual jail breaker and may come back to the community to harm those who give him up," he said. The Minister made this known when he paid a familiarisation visit to the Prison.

Mr. Mabengba said Kombian's ability to escape from jail a number of times was an indication that some prison officials are complacent with their work.

Mr. Phillip Laari, Northern Regional Commander of prisons said investigations were on-going into the matter and any personnel found culpable would be disciplined. He appealed for funds to enable the authorities to renovate the prison especially the toilet facilities to ensure a friendly habitation and working environment. The Minister and his entourage also visited the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, Excise and Preventive Service and the Ghana National Fire Service where he advised the personnel to work hard. 1