Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called for reforms in Ghana’s prison system, proposing measures aimed at improving inmate welfare, protecting families and supporting rehabilitation.

His proposals include regulated visits for married inmates, better classification of prisoners, and the involvement of regional prison commanders in discussions on justice and rehabilitation.

Wontumi argues that prison management should focus not only on punishment but also on preparing inmates for their eventual return to society.

Wontumi Proposes Regulated Visits for Intimacy

Wontumi has proposed allowing regulated visits for love and intimacy in prisons, arguing that such arrangements could help reduce tension among inmates, preserve marriages and support rehabilitation.

He believes maintaining family relationships during incarceration could help prisoners retain important social connections while serving their sentences.

However, any policy allowing intimate visits would require careful consideration of prison security, consent, privacy, public health and the practical conditions within Ghana’s correctional facilities.

Calls for Counselling and Rehabilitation

Wontumi has also raised concerns about the psychological and social effects of prolonged incarceration, particularly among young people convicted of defilement.

He claimed that some young offenders could engage in same-sex relationships while in prison because of a lack of counselling and extended periods of incarceration.

However, this claim has not been independently established, and same-sex attraction or relationships should not automatically be treated as evidence of failed rehabilitation. Effective prison counselling should address inmates’ psychological well-being, behaviour, personal development and reintegration into society.

Providing access to qualified counsellors, mental health support and rehabilitation programmes could help inmates deal with the challenges of imprisonment and prepare for life after release.

Wontumi Wants Prison Commanders Included in Justice Discussions

The former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman has also proposed that regional prison commanders be included in jury and justice deliberations.

According to his position, prison officials have practical experience of inmate behaviour, prison security and rehabilitation, which could contribute to discussions about the justice system.

He stressed that the work of the prison system continues after a court has delivered its judgment, particularly in managing inmates and preparing them for eventual reintegration.

Any formal role for prison commanders in judicial decision-making would, however, need to respect the independence of the courts and the existing legal framework governing criminal trials in Ghana.

Calls for Classification of Prison Inmates

Wontumi has further called for inmates to be classified according to the nature and severity of their offences, with minor offenders separated from violent and other serious offenders.

He argues that better classification could reduce security risks and help prevent less serious offenders from being exposed to potentially harmful influences within prison facilities.

Prisoner classification can also help authorities determine appropriate security arrangements, rehabilitation programmes and levels of supervision based on individual risk assessments.

If implemented effectively, such measures could support safer prison environments while allowing inmates to access programmes suited to their rehabilitation needs.

Focus on Rehabilitation and Prison Security

Wontumi’s proposals have brought attention to questions about inmate welfare, prison security, counselling and the role of correctional facilities in rehabilitation.

The proposals would require further consideration by the relevant authorities, including the Ghana Prisons Service and other institutions responsible for criminal justice administration.

Any reforms would need to balance the rights and welfare of inmates with public safety, the protection of victims and the need to uphold Ghana’s laws.

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