In a bid to address the often-overlooked mental health needs of prisoners, Crime Check Foundation (CCF) has launched a pioneering project to bring psychosocial support and arts therapy to correctional facilities across Ghana.
With the support of the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), this initiative aims to transform the lives of inmates and promote rehabilitation through holistic care.
The project is expected to benefit inmates in seven prisons across Ghana.
They include: Nsawam Medium Security, Kumasi Central, Sunyani, Koforidua, Winneba, Awutu Senya Camp, and Ho Prisons.
The project seeks to increase psychosocial support to prisoners through individual and group psychotherapy, as well as arts therapy, including theatre and writing projects.
According to Executive Director of CCF, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, the project is a response to the growing concern about mental health issues among prisoners.
“Many inmates struggle with depression, anxiety, and other related conditions, which can exacerbate their situation and hinder their rehabilitation,” he said.
Deputy Director of Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, emphasized the significance of this project, stating that it will greatly enhance the mental wellbeing of inmates.
“We are committed to providing a supportive environment for inmates to reform and reintegrate into society, and this project is a crucial step in that direction,” she said.
Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Ghana Office, Helena Adobea Ofori added that, the support will help increase psychosocial support to prisoners through individual and group psychotherapy, as well as arts therapy.
The project is expected to be completed by December 2024 and will include the development of a documentary, psychosocial support and arts therapy documents, and media awareness programs to increase action from government institutions, CSOs, and other actors to further improve psychosocial support for inmates.
Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa
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