Two British interns studying Ghana’s criminal justice delivery system urge an improvement in the conditions of police cells across the country.
The students, on a one-month internship with Crime Check Foundation (CCF) under collaboration between CCF and UK-based Arms Around the Child, made the suggestion after visiting some selected police stations in Accra.
According to them the poor conditions in police cells is an indictment on Ghana’s human rights protection record.
They made this impression after visiting some selected police stations in Accra.
“The cells are small, no light, no bench and it was dirty. The female cells were better but still need to be improved,” Dearla Xhika observed.
Xhika and her colleague, Jodie Myii however applauded the Ghana Prisons Service for putting in place measures that have ensured that inmates do not go on a rampage.
“When we went to the Awutu Camp Prison it felt like home. The officers were welcoming. The inmates we saw around were also calm. I commend the officers for the measures they have put in place to monitor the inmates especially how the offices have been situated to allow for them to keep an eye on the prisoners,” Jodie noted.
“Compared to the UK, the inmates will smash the cell glasses. They are always aggressive,” she added.
Generally, they were amazed at the hospitability in Ghana. “When people see you they would ask how you are doing and want to be nice. In the UK, everybody is self-centered,” they contrasted.
Xhika has been in Ghana for three weeks while Myii is in her two-week stay.
Myii joined Dearla after Yasmin Gusmao left the country after spending a week.
Crime Check Foundation and Arms Around the Child have been collaborating since the demise of late Black Stars player Christian Atsu to continue his ambition and to help improve the lives of the underprivileged.
