Muntaka Mubarak Pledges Prison Reform, Slams GH¢1.80 Feeding Budget for Inmates
Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Ghana’s Minister-Designate for the Interior, has raised alarms over the dire state of the country’s prisons, particularly the meager GH¢1.80 daily feeding budget per inmate. During his vetting before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Friday, January 24, the Asawase MP described the allocation as “inhumane” and pledged to prioritize prison reform if confirmed.
Feeding Budget Criticism: “Worse Than Feeding Pets”
Muntaka expressed disbelief at the insufficient budget, questioning how such a small amount could sustain adequate nutrition for prisoners. “I was shocked when I heard the ratio for feeding a prisoner is GH¢1.80 per day. With all due respect, even the cats and dogs in our homes are better fed. How can we expect our compatriots, in a system meant to correct them, to survive on this and remain healthy?” he lamented.
Health and Nutrition Concerns
The Minister-Designate emphasized the health risks posed by poor nutrition in Ghana’s overcrowded prisons. He noted that the cramped and unsanitary conditions exacerbate the spread of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and scabies. “Feeding prisoners adequately is not just humane; it’s a public health necessity,” he stated.
Overcrowding and Broader Challenges
Beyond nutrition, Muntaka highlighted the systemic issues plaguing Ghana’s prison system, including severe overcrowding. Many facilities operate far beyond capacity, straining resources and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. The Ghana Prisons Service has repeatedly called for government intervention, but reforms have been slow to materialize.
A Commitment to Change
Muntaka assured the Committee that addressing the feeding budget and broader prison conditions would be top priorities under his leadership. He stressed the importance of treating prisoners with dignity, noting that incarceration should focus on rehabilitation, not further dehumanization.