The ex-convict shared his experience in prison
An ex-convict, whose name has been withheld, has provided a vivid account of life inside Ghana’s prison.
He revealed the hierarchy among inmates, widespread access to mobile phones, and the underground economy that thrives behind bars.
Chief Justice announces shift courts to decongest prisons, courts
Giving a chilling account on Asempa FM, on March 18, 2026, he alleged that some inmates engage in acts of homosexuality, with some cell leaders reportedly using cell boys as their partners.
“The cell leader in prison has a wife also in prison which is the cells boy,” he alleged.
According to him, some inmates allegedly engage in fraudulent activities and secretly keep mobile phones in their cells.
“The cell leader is in charge of texting on phones. Every phone in this world is available in prison. If there are 3,000 inmates inside Nsawam Prison, more than 2,000 have access to mobile phones engaging in fraud. There are prisoners who operate mobile money and are able to withdraw funds from the criminal proceeds,” he said.
Explaining the responsibilities of lower-ranking inmates, known as cell boys, the ex-convict stated that they are mostly used as errand boys and are not allowed to move freely outside the cells.
“As a cell boy, you are in charge of bringing food. They are not allowed to go outside and because of that, a lot of the prisoners hate it. And because they are always kept indoors, they are held responsible for any item that goes missing and so they are expected to remain vigilant,” he disclosed.
He further described the strict prison rules and penalties for breaking them.
He recounted that inmates who break rules are surcharged or punished after a court hearing, with prisoners acting as judges, police officers, and lawyers.
“The cell leaders are the last ones to enter the gate by 8pm before the gates are locked. As a prisoner, if you mistakenly cough after 8pm to make noise, you can be surcharged.
“You can be taken to court which is right there in the prison cells. There are prisoners acting as judges, police, lawyers all in the cells and will rule on your case if you’re in trouble,” he recounted.
“I was working as a kitchen boy and the living conditions were poor. The groundnuts used for the soup are mostly rotten. Some prisoners who are serving longer jail terms and those with money are allowed to operate illegal businesses like selling food and scam operations within the facility and pay commissions to the prison officers,” he added.
Minority raises alarm over delayed rent allowances to prison officers
He also revealed how some prisoners are able to amass wealth while incarcerated.
“The prisoners operating food business are rich. Even though they are in prison, they are able to build huge houses outside despite coming to Nsawam with nothing in their name or a single dime,” he disclosed.
“If there are 3,000 inmates inside Nsawam Prison, more than 2,000 have access to mobile phones”
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) March 18, 2026
— An ex-convict reveals, as he recounts his experiences behind bars.
He describes the harsh realities of prison life, including poor living and feeding conditions, and instances of… pic.twitter.com/fmc9cfK7HQ
Copyright © 1994 - 2026 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
