President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his administration is reviewing the country’s bail conditions to ensure fairness and prevent undue hardship, particularly for the poor and vulnerable.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Damongo Camp Prison, built by the Church of Pentecost in the Savannah Region on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, President Mahama emphasized that the initiative seeks to protect the dignity of all citizens, even those serving time behind bars.
“Our administration’s prison reform agenda rests on a fundamental belief that no Ghanaian should be stripped of their humanity even when they are in prison,” he stated.
He added that the implementation is far-reaching reforms, which include, amongst others, expanding the use of alternative sentencing for minor and non-violent offenses,
“Reviewing bail conditions to avoid undue hardship, especially for the poor, and introducing a parole system to reward good behavior and accelerate reintegration.”
The President also highlighted major steps being taken to make prisons more productive and self-sustaining.
As part of the reforms, inmates will be engaged in manufacturing, sewing school uniforms, producing furniture, agro-processing, and other goods for both government use and the open market.
“This initiative will not only generate income to sustain the service but will also equip inmates with practical skills for life after their release,” Mr. Mahama said.
He further revealed that the government is supporting the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) to expand into large-scale agricultural production, including poultry and vegetable farming, to boost food security and reduce dependence on external supplies.
“The government is providing fertilizer and mechanized equipment to improve productivity over the next three years. The Prison Service will receive agricultural tractors and implements to activate their prison camps,” he noted.
President Mahama added that the daily feeding rate for inmates has also been increased from ₵1.80 to ₵5.00, a move aimed at improving the welfare and nutrition of prisoners nationwide.
He reiterated that the reforms are designed to transform prisons into centers of correction, productivity, and reintegration rather than mere punishment.
