Wontumi calls for better prison officers' welfare after 100 days in custody

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is calling for improved salaries, accommodation and working conditions for prison officers after 100 days in custody.

Wontumi was remanded on 20 July, 2026. His spokesperson, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, says the period has prompted him to reflect on conditions within the Ghana Prisons Service and propose reforms.

Speaking on the Big Bulletin with Clankson Acheampong on Tuesday, 27 October, Dr Boakye-Danquah said Wontumi believed prison officers needed better support because of the demanding nature of their work.

“The prison officers are the first people to open the prison doors and then the last people to close the prison doors before they get back to their homes,” he said.

He added that Wontumi was urging the government to review their salaries, accommodation and conditions of service.

The spokesperson said Wontumi was also concerned about the medical care available to inmates, including those with serious illnesses.

He said the politician was calling for a dedicated prison hospital, ambulance services and improved facilities to help manage medical emergencies.

Wontumi has also raised concerns about overcrowding and the need to classify inmates according to their offences and security risks.

Beyond healthcare and officers’ welfare, Wontumi is urging Parliament’s Majority and Minority caucuses to work together on reforms to improve prison infrastructure and rehabilitation.

Dr Boakye-Danquah said Wontumi believed the prison system should prepare inmates for life after release, rather than focus solely on punishment.

“He says very clearly that he can come to prison, anybody can come to prison, any politician can come to prison tomorrow, the next day and the years ahead,” he said.

The proposals follow a statement issued by Dr Boakye-Danquah on 27 October outlining Wontumi’s calls for a dedicated prison hospital, better prison officers’ welfare, improved inmate classification and greater investment in prison facilities.