Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called for major reforms in Ghana’s prison system, including a dedicated prison hospital, improved inmate classification and regulated conjugal visitation.

The call follows his remand in prison on July 20, 2026, which his spokesperson, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, said had given him the opportunity to observe the conditions under which the Ghana Prisons Service operates.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, Dr Boakye-Danquah said Mr Boasiako had had first-hand interaction with prison officers and inmates and believed the system had seen little structural improvement since 1962.

According to the statement, Mr Boasiako believes the correctional system must move beyond punishment towards reform, welfare and productivity.

He emphasised that “Not all prisoners are prisoners”.

Calls for dedicated prison hospital

Mr Boasiako said many prisons lacked dedicated, well-equipped hospitals, ambulances and standby generators.

He raised concerns about the treatment of seriously ill inmates, including those with tuberculosis and terminal illnesses, calling for the construction of an ultra-modern prison hospital to serve prison facilities across the country.

In the interim, he wants emergency links established with the 37 Military Hospital and Police Hospital in Accra.

He also raised concerns about overcrowding and the mixing of inmates with tuberculosis with healthy inmates.

Inmate classification and counselling

Mr Boasiako called for better classification of inmates, arguing that minor offenders should not be housed with armed robbery convicts.

He also said persons standing trial for treason and terrorism should not be mixed with ordinary inmates, describing the practice as a security risk.

The statement also raised concerns about young inmates, particularly those aged between 18 and 35 who are serving time for defilement cases.

Mr Boasiako called for proper classification and counselling for such inmates.

The statement also made claims about same-sex sexual activity among some inmates, which Mr Boasiako attributed to prolonged incarceration and a lack of counselling.

He called for clear policy direction on the classification and management of LGBTQI+ inmates.

Conjugal visitation

Mr Boasiako also called for dedicated private areas where prisoners could receive their spouses and children.

He argued that maintaining family relationships should form part of the rehabilitation process.

“It is the prisoner who is in prison, not the children or spouse,” the statement quoted him as saying.

He believes regulated visitation for spouses could reduce tension, preserve marriages and support the reformation of inmates.

Prison officers' welfare

Mr Boasiako called on the government to review the pay, accommodation and conditions of service of prison officers.

He also urged the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support prison farms with equipment.

According to the statement, the Ghana Prisons Service has large tracts of land and skilled labour but only one tractor, which is used for food production and garbage collection.

Parliament urged to act

Mr Boasiako made a special appeal to Parliament to lead discussions on prison reform as a matter of human rights and national development.

He called on the Speaker, Majority Caucus and Minority Caucus to work together to pass a new Prison Reform Act.

He also wants Parliament to approve funding for a dedicated prison hospital, ambulance services, standby generators and agricultural equipment.

The statement further called on the Parliamentary Select Committees on Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to visit prisons across the country to assess conditions firsthand.

Mr Boasiako said the required legal and budgetary reforms could not happen without cooperation between the Speaker, Majority and Minority.

Justice sector and infrastructure

Mr Boasiako also called for Regional Prison Commanders to be included in jury and justice deliberations.

“The real job begins after judgement,” he said.

He further called for government and private-sector investment in modern prison facilities and factories.

According to the statement, there has been little structural investment in the prison system since 1962, apart from pure water production.

Mr Boasiako also believes prison reform should extend across Africa, with Ghana taking a leading role.

Reflecting on his experience, he said: “At this experience since July 20th till date, prison doesn't reform as it should be. I pray that the entire Africa will learn from Ghana.”

He has appealed to the Speaker of Parliament, Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Attorney-General, Chief Justice and government to prioritise prison welfare.

Dr Boakye-Danquah said Mr Boasiako remains in high spirits.