The Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana Prisons Service has appealed to corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and philanthropists to support the welfare of inmates, saying external assistance remains necessary despite an increase in the government's daily feeding allowance.

The appeal was made by the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Prisons Service, Chief Superintendent Richard Bukari, during the presentation of cooked rice meals, sachet water and bottled soft drinks to inmates of the Kumasi Central Prisons.

The donation was made by the Ashanti Regional Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Fynn Emmanuel Reagan, in his personal capacity.

Receiving the items, Chief Supt Bukari thanked the donor and acknowledged the government's decision to increase the daily feeding allowance for inmates from GH¢1.80 to GH¢5.00.

He said, however, that the revised allocation was still insufficient to meet the growing needs of inmates, and appealed to individuals, businesses and organisations to support the prison with voluntary donations.

Chief Supt Bukari noted that the facility's needs extend beyond food, adding that essential medicines and healthcare supplies are also required to support the wellbeing of inmates.

He said the donation of meals and drinks would benefit inmates, particularly those receiving medical treatment or taking daily medication.

Mr Reagan said the donation was a personal initiative aimed at supporting inmates and encouraged public institutions, corporate bodies and NGOs to contribute to the welfare of correctional facilities across the country.

He said supporting prison inmates should be regarded as a shared social responsibility.