Over 100 Church of Pentecost lawyers to explore legal support for inmates

The Chairman of the Ghana Prisons Service Council, Apostle Ing. Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, says he is in talks with more than 100 lawyers from The Church of Pentecost to explore legal support for inmates, following concerns about difficulties in accessing court proceedings and legal assistance for appeals.

He disclosed this during a familiarisation visit to the Ankaful Prison Complex in the Central Region, where inmates welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s recent presidential amnesty but raised concerns about barriers preventing some of them from pursuing appeals against their convictions.

The delegation, led by Apostle Kumi-Larbi, toured the various prison establishments and engaged prison officers and inmates on welfare, rehabilitation and operational challenges confronting the facilities.

During the interactions, inmates expressed gratitude to the President for the amnesty but drew attention to the difficulties they face in obtaining court records and securing legal representation to challenge their convictions.

In response, Apostle Kumi-Larbi disclosed that discussions were underway with more than 100 lawyers who belong to The Church of Pentecost to explore ways of providing legal assistance to inmates.

Although details of the proposed arrangement, including when the support will begin and how inmates will access the services, were not disclosed, the initiative could offer a pathway for prisoners who struggle to navigate the legal process because of limited access to legal assistance.

The Council chairman also urged inmates not to lose hope despite their circumstances, drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Joseph, who endured imprisonment before rising to a position of prominence.

He encouraged them to remain focused on a better future and concluded the engagement with prayers for both inmates and prison officers.

Ghana Prisons Service Council examines healthcare challenges

The delegation also visited the infirmaries at the Ankaful Prison Complex to assess healthcare delivery and discuss ways to improve conditions for inmates.

Prof. Ernest Yorke, President of the Ghana Medical Association and a member of the Ghana Prisons Service Council, offered recommendations on how available resources could be managed more effectively to support healthcare delivery within the facilities.

He also assured the delegation of his commitment to exploring avenues for additional support to improve medical services for inmates.

The visit forms part of the Council’s broader efforts to engage stakeholders, identify operational challenges and strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration within the Ghana Prisons Service.

The proposed legal support from members of The Church of Pentecost could become a significant component of those efforts, particularly for inmates who require assistance in accessing court documents and pursuing appeals.

However, further details will be needed to establish the scope of the initiative, the number of inmates expected to benefit and the arrangements for connecting them with the lawyers.

The visit underscores the importance of combining prison welfare and rehabilitation with access to legal assistance and improved healthcare, as authorities and stakeholders explore ways to address challenges within Ghana’s correctional facilities.

EA