Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has explained why he became emotional during a recent performance at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.

Speaking after a donation visit, he said he was overwhelmed after encountering a childhood friend among the inmates.

According to him, seeing someone he grew up with in such circumstances made the experience personal.

“As a boy, child, it’s not easy, the struggles. Anytime I go there to visit, I see somebody I grew up with. So it’s not like somebody I just know from the corner, a childhood friend who I grew up with. So today’s visit has made me realise where he is cut off from the outside world, that’s why I became emotional,” he said.

He added that the prison environment highlighted the conditions faced by inmates, noting that limited resources make life difficult.

“You realise that there are pertinent issues on the ground where we all have to be conscious about. Conditions are not as conducive; even for those who are home, it’s not easy for the majority. So how much more for those behind bars who are supposed to be living off a minimum wage of between GH₵1 and GH₵3? How much does foodstuff even cost?” he said.

The artiste stated that prisons are not places of comfort and urged people to make careful decisions in life.

He said his reaction was genuine and reflected his empathy for those in difficult situations.

He also noted that his upbringing continues to influence his humanitarian efforts, adding that his Christian faith reinforces his belief in giving.