The Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central and Chief Executive Officer of the Joana Gyan Foundation, Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has called for greater attention to issues affecting prison inmates, particularly mental health, emotional control, and access to legal support.
According to her, some inmates may have ended up behind bars due to anger, emotional instability, or the absence of proper legal representation.
She disclosed that one of the matters she intends to raise in Parliament concerns the conditions of some inmates and the need to review certain cases to ensure justice is fairly served.
Joana Gyan Cudjoe, Amenfi Central MP making donation to the officials of the Nsawam Prison Service
The Amenfi Central lawmaker made the remarks during a humanitarian outreach programme at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison organised by the Kwesi Nyantakyi Foundation for Legal Services in collaboration with the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and the Joana Gyan Foundation.
The outreach aimed at inspiring hope and supporting inmates through donations, counselling, and interactions with some of Ghana’s celebrated personalities from football, entertainment, and business.
Speaking at the event, Madam Joana Gyan Cudjoe said her interactions with inmates highlighted the urgent need for anger management and mental health awareness in society.
Joana Gyan Cudjoe, Amenfi Central MP addressing the media
She noted that many people often underestimate the consequences of uncontrolled emotions, which can sometimes lead to life-changing situations.
The MP explained that she intends to collaborate with lawyers, prison authorities, and the media to better understand some of the inmates’ cases and identify individuals who may require legal assistance or counselling support.
She also called for stronger counselling and mental health support systems in Ghana, stressing that emotional and psychological challenges are often ignored until they escalate into serious problems.
Reflecting on her personal experiences growing up, the lawmaker said the Joana Gyan Foundation has consistently focused on supporting vulnerable individuals, talented youth, entrepreneurs, and people facing difficult life situations.
She added that the foundation has invested heavily in education support and community development initiatives, particularly in underserved communities.
Highlighting one of the foundation’s interventions in the Amenfi Central Constituency, she revealed that the organisation currently sponsors 139 volunteer teachers across more than 100 schools to help address the shortage of teachers in the area.
According to her, the initiative is benefiting more than 8,000 schoolchildren, with the foundation paying monthly allowances to the volunteer teachers.
She said the prison outreach forms part of the foundation’s broader commitment to restoring hope and supporting people who may feel abandoned or forgotten by society.
Organisers of the event said the outreach was not only a charitable exercise but also an opportunity to encourage inmates facing emotional, psychological, and social challenges while in custody.
As part of the donations made to the prison, organisers presented football jerseys, footballs, tracksuits, bags of rice, fish, bottled water, and an undisclosed cash donation to support inmates and prison officers.
The initiative brought together football legends, current Black Stars players, musicians, corporate partners, media personalities, and other dignitaries in what organisers described as an effort to promote love, unity, and humanity among inmates.
Some of the personalities present included Adams Abdul Salaam, former Gomoa East MP Kojo Asemanyi, GFA President and CAF Second Vice President Kurt E. S. Okraku, and football legend Abedi Ayew.
Organisers also expressed appreciation to sponsors and partners, including Swiss Wealth Solutions, Golden Empire Legacy Ltd, Goldpath Developers, National Health Insurance Scheme, Oasis International School, Tema Steel Company Ltd, and JDK Travel & Tours Ltd for supporting the initiative.
By 1960news.com
