By Juliet Mettle-Edmonds
Phase one of an Astro Turf for the Ghana Prisons Service has been inaugurated at the Senior Correctional Centre in Accra.
It had funding from the Ghana National Gas Company and seeks to harness the sporting talents of the Prison Officers and Inmates.
Two years ago, the construction of Phase One of the Astro turf begun. The idea is to help display the sporting talent of the Inmates as well as Prison Officers. Juveniles of the Senior Correctional Centre (SCC) are also part of the plan.
The facility would also be used for the routine exercise needs of Prison Officers and inmates. The turf will not serve just the facility but will be opened to the general public.
The Director General of the Ghana Prisons Service Mr Isaac Egyir thanked the Ghana National Gas Company for their support and called on other stakeholders to promote projects which seek to rehabilitate and reintegrate ex-convicts within the Justice system.
‘The inauguration of this Turf re-echoes a commitment to a holistic wellbeing of inmates, it aligns with the vision of the Ghana Prisons Service to build a correctional system that focus not just safe custody and rehabilitation but also on the physical well-being ensuring that those in our care will have the opportunity to maintain healthy lives and contribute positively to society upon their release’.
A Board Member of Ghana National Gas Company, Mr. John Darko, a lawyer, said the Company stands for community development.
Calling for more projects that will impact the lives of prisoners and Officers, the Minister for the Interior, Mr. Ambrose Dery advised the Service to devise a sustainable and robust management system to ensure that Astro Turf maintains the highest possible international standard.
He acknowledged the sports fraternity for uniting the nation, especially the sportsmen and women who continue to serve as worthy ambassadors.
‘They are indeed the embodiment of discipline, focus and hard work’. ‘I salute them for their sense of patriotism and dedication’.
Additional features such as a washroom, changing rooms and spectator stand will soon be added.
The Astroturf was funded by Ghana Gas Company and built by Wembley Sports Construction Company.
