The Human Rights Committee of Parliament has pledged urgent intervention to address the severe overcrowding at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
The prison, originally designed to accommodate 717 inmates, now houses a staggering 3,548 prisoners almost five times its intended capacity.
During a recent visit to the facility, Chairman of the Committee, Ernest Yaw Anim, described the situation as alarming and vowed to champion efforts in Parliament to decongest the prison immediately.
“This facility was built to accommodate only 717 people, but it now holds about 3,548 inmates. This is a serious concern, and we will bring it to the fore. Parliament, as an institution, will work to ensure that the overcrowding is addressed as soon as possible,” he stated.
As part of its broader mandate, the Committee also plans to visit witch camps in northern Ghana to promote human rights awareness building on the momentum of the global “I Am Not a Witch” campaign, which highlights the abuse of women accused of witchcraft.
Additionally, the Committee aims to launch nationwide educational programs on human rights and collaborate with institutions and civil society organizations to enhance Ghana’s human rights record.
