Philipine Gbordor, WHRAO Communications Director presenting the items to Chief Superintendent of Prison Isaac Boakye
The World Human Rescue and Advocacy Organisation (WHRAO), a humanitarian and advocacy-focused non-governmental organisation, has officially launched its operations in Ho with a donation and advocacy visit to the Ho Central Prison, aimed at improving inmate welfare, legal support, rehabilitation and reintegration.
The launch, which doubled as a humanitarian outreach, was intended to draw public attention to the challenges facing inmates within the Ghana Prisons Service, while reassuring them that efforts are being made to protect their rights, dignity and future prospects. Inmates received essential items to support their immediate needs as part of the exercise.
Prison authorities, speaking during the visit, highlighted persistent challenges including inadequate funding for welfare, limited vocational training opportunities and difficulties with reintegration after incarceration. These challenges, they noted, continue to affect efforts to fully rehabilitate inmates across the country.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Volta Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service, Reverend Assistant Superintendent of Prison (ASP) Courage Atsu, who also serves as the Volta and Oti Regions Chaplain, linked the concerns to the Service’s “Prisons 360 Degrees” initiative, which prioritises inmate welfare, access to justice, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Rev. ASP Atsu identified skills training as one of the most urgent needs in the prison system, explaining that tailoring remains the main vocational activity currently available. He appealed for support to expand training into areas such as carpentry, information and communication technology (ICT) and access to industrial machines to enhance rehabilitation for both male and female inmates.
He further appealed for assistance in the form of food, clothing, medication and financial support, describing prison welfare as a shared responsibility. He reminded the public that incarceration can affect anyone, and urged individuals and organisations to contribute towards improving inmate welfare.
The Chief Executive Officer of WHRAO, Mr. Michael Asare, said the organisation was established to provide legal representation for less-privileged persons who are unable to afford lawyers and often suffer injustice within the legal system.
Mr. Asare added that beyond advocating for inmates’ freedom where necessary, WHRAO is committed to equipping beneficiaries with vocational and personal development skills of their choice, to enable them reintegrate into society as productive citizens. He appealed to the public, corporate bodies and benevolent individuals to support the organisation through cash or in-kind donations.
The Director of Administration of WHRAO, Ms. Delight Mojaka, said the launch was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment. She disclosed that the organisation donated toiletries and other essential items to inmates, and pledged a return visit with support specifically targeted at female inmates, including sanitary pads, while reaffirming WHRAO’s commitment to justice, advocacy and human dignity.
FROM Daniel K. Orlando, Ho