A Ghanaian prison officer has cautioned relatives of inmates against putting pressure on the outside world on inmates.
He warned that such acts tend to burden them and may result in misconduct, medical issues and possible attempts to escape.
Speaking in a viral video, the prison officer stated, “Those with family members in prison when they call home asking how the house is, be manage of what you tell them. I have been speaking to one who told me his wife said the children don’t have money to go to school, so he should send them money. You know your husband is in prison, how will he send money?
What work is he doing in prison that you expect the person to send money to pay the children’s fees?”
“The prison that they are in, they are of sorrow and sadness, and they are in hardship. You have been putting too much pressure on them”, he added.
In related prison news, there were emotional scenes at the Kumasi Central Prison as inmates granted a presidential amnesty by John Dramani Mahama reunited with their families.
In the viral short video, the Kumasi Central Prison inmates granted amnesty were captured visibly emotional as they waited patiently to be reunited with their families.
The former inmates were later met at the gate of the Kumasi Central Prison by their families, embracing them and sharing passionate moments.
It will be recalled that President John Mahama, on August 18, 2025, granted amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country.
The presidential amnesty follows a recommendation of the Prisons Service Council, in consultation with the Council of State, and in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision was announced in a statement by the Presidency, issued and signed by the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
It revealed a total of 1,014 inmates were recommended for amnesty, out of which 998 were approved.
The President’s amnesty covers:
First-time offenders – 787 persons
Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment – 87 persons
Life sentences commuted to 20 years’ definite term – 51 persons
Seriously ill prisoners – 33 persons
Prisoners over 70 years, irrespective of offence – 36 persons
Nursing mothers – 2 persons
Petition cases – 2 persons
The Presidential amnesty is a constitutional provision that allows the President to pardon prisoners or reduce their sentences on the recommendations from the Prisons Service Council and the Council of State.
The Presidential amnesty is used as a measure to decongest prisons, also to address humanitarian concerns, and ensure justice is tempered with mercy.
It is particularly for defenceless groups such as the elderly, the sick, and nursing mothers.
Watch the video below:
A Ghanaian prison officer has cautioned relatives of inmates against putting pressures of the outside world on them, warning that such acts tend to burden them and may result in misconduct, medical issues and possible attempts to escape. pic.twitter.com/yHy7DJy8IN
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) October 2, 2025