https://asaaseradio.com/news/church-of-pentecost-builds-ghc3-2-million-ultra-modern-prison/
A multi-purpose prison facility funded and constructed by the Church of Pentecost at Ejura in the Ashanti Region has been commissioned and handed over to the Ghana Prisons Service.
The facility, described as one of a kind in the country, was constructed at the cost of GHC3,297,139.81.
The fully furnished three dormitory blocks with the capacity to accommodate 300 inmates also comprise an administration block, chapel which will also serve as classroom, football pitch, baptistry, modern washrooms, mechanised borehole, offices, infirmary, workshops, and other auxiliary facilities, was jointly commissioned by the Interior Minister, Hon. Ambrose Dery; the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the Chief of Ejura, Barima Osei Hwedie II.
Speaking at the event which took place on Tuesday 11 May 2021, the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, said the construction of the facility was inspired by the “Possessing the Nations” agenda of the church.
He explained that three similar prisons facilities at various stages of completion are under construction at Nsawam, Obuasi, and Damango, all funded by the church in its zeal to partner government to decongest the nation’s prisons facilities and to equip inmates with skills to better integrate them into society after serving their jail terms.
“As part of the church’s Vision 2023 and in line with the global conviction, that every country’s prison’s system should move from being punitive (retribution) to being corrective (reformation), we planned to support the Ghana Prisons Service in carrying out its mandate of primarily reforming our convicted brothers and sisters who have to find themselves there for one reason or the other.
“At the time of crafting the vision 2023 for the church in 2018, the Ghana Prisons Service was experiencing acute overcrowding in their holding facilities across the country. Available statistics then, suggested an inmates’ population of 14,855 for an authorized maximum capacity of 9,875 prisoners which was over 50% beyond the normal capacity. As of April ending 2021, there was a total of 13,081 prisoners occupying facilities that could cater for a maximum of 9,945 inmates.
“Those of you who were here during the sod-cutting for the commencement of this edifice in May 2019, I believe can well appreciate the practical meaning of not only what reformation or transformation means but also what the love of God through Christ Jesus is all about.
