Ing. James B Mwinyelle (in a cap) with the Manageress and other prison officials
The Kumasi Central Prison has extended its rebranding campaign, “Think Prison 360 Degrees”, beyond its confines with a clean-up exercise and donation to the Kumasi Children’s Home.
The initiative, led by the prison’s Sanitation Unit, forms part of a year-long programme aimed at supporting the less privileged while reshaping negative perceptions about the prison system.
Addressing the media, the Ashanti Regional Commander of Prisons and Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP), Ing. James B. Mwinyelle, said prisons and children’s homes share similarities as ‘total institutions’ where individuals live under structured conditions.
“We often forget the vulnerable in our communities, so we came here not only to clean the environment but also to donate to the children. Even though prisons have needs of their own, we believe we can still extend a hand to others. That is the spirit behind this gesture,” he said.
Ing. Mwinyelle also appealed to the public to reduce the stigma attached to both ex-convicts and children in such institutions. “These children will one day return to society, just as inmates eventually leave prison. How we treat them today will determine the kind of society we build tomorrow,” he added.
The donated items included Adum Mineral Water and tie-and-dye fabrics produced by inmates of the Kumasi Central Prison among other items.
Mrs. Mabel Amponsah, Manageress of the Kumasi Central Prison, commended the effort, describing it as impactful. “This goes a long way to support the children’s upkeep and keep their environment clean. I am particularly pleased with the ‘Think Prison 360’ project and encourage society to accept both vulnerable children and discharged inmates back into their fold,” she said.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Asokore Mampong, Ben Abdallah Alhassan, who graced the occasion, lauded the Prisons Service for the initiative.
“This is a shining example of service to humanity. I urge individuals, companies, and organisations to emulate this initiative so that together we can provide a brighter future for these children,” he said.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi