Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central and founder of the Joana Gyan Foundation, Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has described Thursday, May 21, 2026, as one of the most emotional and life-changing days of her life following a major humanitarian outreach to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
The outreach, organized through the KN Foundation in collaboration with the Joana Gyan Foundation, the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG), and the Ghana Football Association (GFA), brought together former Black Stars legends, football administrators, musicians, actors, media personalities, investors, business leaders, dignitaries, and other respected personalities from across the country.
The Amenfi Central legislator described the outreach as “a special mission of hope, compassion, love, unity, and humanity.”
She stressed that the outreach was not driven by football, politics, entertainment, or publicity, but rather by a desire to show compassion and restore hope to inmates.
“This outreach was about humanity. It was about touching lives and reminding forgotten souls that they are still human beings, that they are loved, that they matter, and that there are still people who care about them,” she stated.
The delegation, estimated at between 150 and 170 people, included former Black Stars players, media representatives, sponsors, supporters, invited guests, and dignitaries.
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe revealed that it was her first time entering a prison facility, an experience she said left her deeply emotional.
“Honestly, words cannot fully explain what I saw and what I felt. I cried almost the whole day. It was painful, emotional, heartbreaking, and at the same time deeply inspiring and life-changing,” she recounted.
She noted that many inmates are not necessarily hardened criminals, explaining that some are incarcerated due to lack of legal representation, poor guidance, financial challenges, emotional decisions, or difficult life circumstances.
“Today, I saw pain. Today, I saw regret. Today, I saw brokenness. But today, I also saw hope,” she added.
The MP said one of the most touching moments during the visit was when inmates openly wept, prayed, smiled, and expressed appreciation for the love shown to them.
According to her, several inmates personally thanked her, saying: “Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, MP for Amenfi Central, you have done well.”
She expressed gratitude to all individuals and institutions that contributed to the success of the outreach, particularly acknowledging the role played by former GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, whose leadership and coordination she said were instrumental in making the initiative possible.
She also praised Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the GFA and Second Vice President of CAF, for his support, leadership, and participation throughout the exercise.
Hon. Joana Gyan described the collaboration between former and current football administrators as symbolic of unity, maturity, and national development.
Several prominent personalities participated in the outreach, including football legends Abedi Ayew Pele and Samuel Osei Kuffour, who also serves as President of PFAG.
Others included Anthony Baffoe, Adams Abdul Salaam, former Gomoa East MP Kojo Asemanyi, businessman Stefan Kung, and former presidential staffer Charles Bissue.
The event also attracted entertainers and public figures, including Ghanaian musicians Dr Cryme and Patapaa, alongside actors, actresses, bloggers, and content creators.
During the outreach, donations were presented to inmates and prison officers. Items donated included jerseys and footballs for prison blocks and officers’ teams, jerseys for inmate teams, tracksuits for inmate leaders, rice, fish, drinking water, and undisclosed cash support.
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe also commended prison officers and management at Nsawam Prison for their professionalism and sacrifices under difficult working conditions.
“We saw your sacrifices, discipline, professionalism, patience, and dedication. We appreciate you deeply,” she said.
The delegation later paid a courtesy call on chiefs and traditional authorities at the Nsawam Palace, where they received a warm reception from traditional leaders and dignitaries.
The MP further acknowledged the support of several organizations and corporate partners, including the KN Foundation, PFAG, GFA, Swiss Wealth Solutions, Golden Empire Legacy Ltd, Goldpath Developers, NHIS, Oasis International School, Tema Steel Company Ltd, Yes My Lord Company Ltd, JDK Travel & Tours Ltd, BuySimConnect, and Ahmed Kwabena Nkrumah.
Using the occasion to advise the youth, Hon. Joana Gyan urged Ghanaians not to take their freedom for granted.
“Control your anger. Control your emotions. Control your ego. Avoid violence and crime. Because prison is not a joke. Freedom is a blessing,” she cautioned.
Quoting Matthew 25:36 — “I was in prison and you visited me” — she emphasized the need for compassion, forgiveness, and second chances for all people, including inmates.
“Nobody should ever be forgotten. Every soul matters. Every life deserves hope, dignity, encouragement, and another chance,” she stated.
- By 1960news.com
