The Ghana Prisons Service has launched a Medicines and Equipment Bank in Tamale to improve healthcare delivery in prisons across the Northern, North East and Savannah regions.
The initiative was launched under the theme, “Prison Health is Public Health: Strategic Mobilisation of Medicine and Medical Supplies for Prisons Across the Country.”
In his welcome address, the Northern Regional Prisons Commander, Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) Obed Kofi Acquaye, described the initiative as a major step towards advancing the Service’s reform, rehabilitation and reintegration agenda.
He said the bank aims to address shortages of essential medicines and medical equipment in prison facilities, while protecting inmates’ health and human rights through improved access to basic healthcare.
DDP Acquaye added that the initiative would also promote the welfare and operational readiness of prison officers, while contributing to security and public safety by creating a healthier and more stable prison environment.
He assured stakeholders that the facility would be managed transparently, with proper inventory controls, auditing and monitoring systems to ensure accountability in the distribution of donated supplies.
In a speech read on behalf of the Director-General of Prisons by the Director of Health and Community Corrections, DOP Joana Fofo Tackie-Otoo, she said the Northern Regional Medicines and Equipment Bank forms part of the Ghana Prisons Service’s broader 360-degree transformation agenda.
She commended the Northern Regional Command for supporting the initiative and translating the Service’s national healthcare policies into practical action.
According to her, prison healthcare facilities continue to face challenges, including shortages of medicines and medical equipment, a growing prison population, increasing cases of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and rising healthcare costs.
She noted that transporting inmates to external health facilities also comes with significant security and operational costs, sometimes requiring about six officers to guard a single hospitalised inmate.
DOP Tackie-Otoo said the initiative, which was officially launched in Accra on March 26, 2026, seeks to mobilise support from pharmaceutical companies, healthcare institutions, businesses, development partners, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders and individuals.
She explained that donations of medicines, medical consumables and equipment would be distributed to prison facilities according to their needs.
The initiative is also expected to support inmates requiring specialised treatment for conditions such as diabetes, hepatitis and other liver diseases, skin conditions and cancers.
She expressed optimism that the bank would reduce interruptions in healthcare delivery, strengthen prison health facilities and improve access to quality medical care for persons in custody.
Representing the Northern Regional Minister, the Deputy Director of Administration at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, Mohammed Shamsudeen Bawah, expressed support for the initiative, describing it as an important step towards improving healthcare for inmates and personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service.
He said the theme, “Prison Health is Public Health,” highlights the connection between the health of people in custody and the wellbeing of the wider community.
Mr Bawah emphasised that although prisoners are deprived of their freedom, they should not be denied access to appropriate healthcare and humane treatment.
He described prison healthcare as a collective responsibility rooted in compassion, human dignity and good governance, noting that an effective prison healthcare system benefits inmates, prison officers, healthcare workers, visitors and the wider community.
He called on individuals, institutions and organisations to support the Ghana Prisons Service Medicines and Equipment Fund to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
Mr Bawah further stressed that good healthcare contributes to successful rehabilitation, as healthier inmates are better positioned to participate in skills training, rehabilitation programmes and reintegration activities.
The Northern Regional Medicines and Equipment Bank follows similar launches in the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Central regions, with plans to extend the initiative to all regional commands.
Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issaahaku
