By: Alexander Afriyie
Officials from the Nsawam Medium Security Prison have brought to light the concerning issue of the daily feeding allowance for inmates, which remains stagnant at GHS 1.80 per inmate. This rate has not seen any adjustments since 2011, raising serious concerns about the nutritional well-being of the prison population.
Stagnant Feeding Allowance Sparks Concern
The revelation was made during a meeting with Parliament’s Human Rights Committee, where prison officials expressed their deep concerns about the inadequacy of the current feeding allowance. The officials emphasized that the amount is woefully insufficient to provide inmates with a balanced and nutritious diet, leading to potential health issues and other related problems.
Call for Review of Feeding Allowance.
The prison officials are urging the government to review the feeding allowance to ensure that inmates receive a decent and nutritious diet. They argue that the current rate is not only inadequate but also unsustainable, given the rising cost of living and the increasing prices of food items.
Implications for Inmate Health and Well-being
The stagnant feeding allowance has serious implications for the health and well-being of inmates at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison. Inadequate nutrition can lead to a range of health problems, including malnutrition, anemia, and other related conditions. Moreover, it can also exacerbate existing health issues, making it challenging for inmates to recover and rehabilitate.
Need for Urgent Action.
The situation calls for urgent action from the government to address the issue of inadequate feeding allowance for inmates. It is essential to ensure that inmates receive a balanced and nutritious diet to promote their health and well-being. The government must review the feeding allowance and make necessary adjustments to reflect the current economic realities and ensure that inmates receive a decent standard of living. Alexander Afriyie