CCF launches project to enhance mental welfare of prisoners

Improving Access to Psycho-social Support and Arts Therapy for prison inmates in Ghana has been launched at the Accra International Press Centre.

With funding from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and led by Crime Check Foundation (CCF) the project which starts in July 2024, seeks to promote the mental well-being of inmates.

It follows the identification of prison inmates with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and other related conditions by CCF in the Nsawam Medium Security, Kumasi Central, Sunyani, Koforidua, Winneba, Awutu Senya Camp, and Ho Prisons, which are targeted facilities.

 “Mental health is a human right and CCF’s work has identified many inmates with mental health issues in Ghana’s prisons… Some inmates may have been sentenced with pre-existing mental conditions, while others, the issues may have started after their incarcerations,” the Executive Director, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng said in his address.

Present at the launch were the Ghana Prisons Service, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the University of Ghana, the Department of Theatre Arts, the Ghana Health Service and the Judicial Service, all who are partners for the project.

In its implementation, inmates will be screened to identify those who require support, a documentary for advocacy will be put together, and documents on psychosocial support and art therapy developed to provide support for beneficiary inmates.

Media awareness will also be created on the project to increase action by government institutions, CSOs, and other actors to further improve psychosocial support for beneficiary inmates. 

The Director General of the Ghana Prisons Service, represented by the Deputy Director-General of Prisons In-Charge of Finance and Administration, Matilda Baffoe-Bonnie (ESQ), lauded the initiative, indicating that it is a bold step toward achieving an effective correctional system.
“This support is crucial in reducing recidivism, as it equips inmates with the tools they need to manage stress, rebuild self-esteem, and reintegrate into society successfully. Arts therapy offers a unique and creative outlet for self-expression. It will allow inmates to process their emotions, develop new skills, and foster a sense of accomplishment and self-worth,” she said.

Other partners took turns to indicate their readiness to rally behind Crime Check Foundation to achieve its commitment.