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Ghana’s Women’s Institute brings hope and dignity to Nsawam Prison inmates

When Sandra Ankobiah stepped into Nsawam Prison, she carried more than supplies—she brought a message of humanity. This is how compassion is reshaping Ghana’s justice system.

In the foreground of this image, there are group of people posing to the camera. Few are sitting...
In the foreground of this image, there are group of people posing to the camera. Few are sitting and few are standing. We can also see few bags on the floor and frames on either side of the image on the wall. At the top, there is the inside roof of the shelter.

Ghana’s Women’s Institute brings hope and dignity to Nsawam Prison inmates

A humanitarian outreach led by Sandra Ankobiah Esq, founder of the Women's Institute Ghana, recently visited inmates at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison. The initiative sought to promote compassion and dignity within Ghana's correctional system while addressing basic needs.

The delegation, organised by the Women’s Institute Ghana, delivered essential supplies to the prison. Items included water, drinks, confectioneries, medications, detergents, and antiseptics. These donations aimed to improve daily living conditions for inmates.

Sandra Ankobiah explained that the outreach was designed to offer hope and reinforce the idea that incarceration should not strip individuals of care or humanity. She emphasised the importance of treating inmates with dignity and encouraging a reform-focused justice system. The visit also featured Patience Asiedu, widely known as Mama Pat (Nana Agradaa), whose presence drew attention from the delegation. Participants described the interaction as deeply meaningful, providing lessons in resilience and perspective for both visitors and inmates. The effort was made possible through contributions from corporate partners and individuals who supported the Women’s Institute Ghana. While specific collaborators were not disclosed, the initiative aligns with the organisation’s broader mission of advocating for social justice, inclusive development, and support for marginalised groups. This outreach builds on existing work by civil society groups to supplement state support for correctional facilities nationwide. The Women’s Institute Ghana remains committed to engaging with prisons and other institutions to foster a more humane approach to justice.

The humanitarian visit to Nsawam Medium Security Prison reinforced calls for a more compassionate correctional system. By providing essential supplies and emotional support, the Women's Institute Ghana continues to push for reforms that prioritise dignity and rehabilitation. The organisation plans to sustain similar efforts in the future.

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