From Ernest Best Anane.
The first Prison Catholic Church in the region has been constructed and dedicated to God in Kumasi. Madam Matilda Baffuor Awuah, Controller-General of the Prisons Service, in a statement read on her behalf by Mr. Anthony Yeboah, Controller of Prisons in Kumasi, at the dedication ceremony of the St Martin Prison Catholic Church, urged Ghanaians to accept ex-convicts as the part of society and complement to re-integrating them to become more useful to society, to contribute their quota to the socio economic growth of the nation, instead of stigmatising them.
According to her, the spate of stigmatisation of ex-convicts by society leaves much to be desired, saying there is the need for society to change its perception about ex-convicts, and, instead, assist them to be re-integrated into society successfully.
She said the choice of name for the sacred edifice, St. Martin Prison Catholic Church, was appropriate, considering the humane treatment, care, and love for inmates by prison officers can be likened to the qualities and calling of St. Martin de Porres, in memory of the French Priest who demonstrated the love of God to all humans, and even animals, and therefore, earned the respect of society, because he comforted the sick, and provided food and clothing for the destitute.
Madam Baffuor Awuah indicated that the core mandate of the Ghana Prisons Service is not distinct from the work of the kind-hearted Priest, as far as the welfare of the inmates was concerned, saying it was in that vein, among others, that the Prisons administration instituted the Transformational Task Force, with the aim of improving conditions in their prisons.
She implored non-governmental organisations (NGOs), corporate institutions, religious bodies, and individuals to emulate the good works of Saint Martin de Porres, by supporting the Prisons Service to reform and rehabilitate prisoners, who need care, love, and support, during and after serving their sentences.
She commended the Regional Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Supt Martin Padi, for efforts at the construction of the church, from the foundation level to completion. Rev. Fr. Padi also expressed his heart felt appreciation for the support of donors and individuals who contributed in diverse ways to put up such a magnificent edifice at the cost of about GH¢2,000,000.
ASP Annan, Regional Public Relations Officer of the Prisons Service, commended the founders of the church, and pleaded with the public to desist from discriminating against the ex-convicts, and accommodate them to enable them face their challenges so that they may not go back to their negative activities. The PRO also pleaded with the government and all stakeholders to come to their aid, by providing accommodation and a vehicle to help the administration work of the prisons.