The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, has affirmed her dedication to leveraging sports as a key vehicle for enhancing the image and reputation of the Service.
She also shared a strategic vision focused on improving the welfare of both officers and inmates, while harnessing agriculture and industrialization to build a self-sustaining correctional system.
The Director-General made these remarks during a visit by the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, led by President Charles Osei Asibey, to congratulate her and discuss the sport’s development.
“I have played and administered sports throughout my life. This made me disciplined, active, and has played a key role in where I am today. Sports built my confidence and gave me the platform to shine, so I know what sports can do and how it can transform individuals into becoming better persons,” she said.
Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie noted that the Directorate has initiated discussions with relevant authorities to encourage active participation in sports among both inmates and officers, aiming to support rehabilitation and discover new talent.
“This transformational plan will serve as a cornerstone for the successful reintegration of prisoners, equipping them with essential skills and confidence for the future,” she added.
The Ghana Prisons Service has made significant contributions to sports development, with a proud legacy of nurturing top athletes who have brought honour to Ghana through their achievements.
Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, President of both the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) and the Armwrestling Federation of Africa (AFA), expressed confidence that a partnership with the Prisons Service would be fruitful, potentially leading to the emergence of national and continental champions from within the Service.
He reminisced about the days when the Ghana Prisons Service was a formidable force in sports, having produced outstanding athletes such as Felix Aboagye, Eric Nkansah, and Mark Anthony Awere, who represented Ghana with distinction.
“Sports, when revamped in the Service, will have diverse benefits. It can be used for public relations, rebranding purposes, and also as an IGF for the Service. A lot must be done to avert the dwindling fortunes.”
During the meeting, the Ghana Prisons Service and the Ghana Armwrestling Federation reached a mutual agreement to promptly begin training and set up an armwrestling club comprising both officers and inmates, with the goal of dominating the local competitive scene.
Also present at the meeting were Dr. Kofi Addo-Agyekum, Vice President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation; Mr. Husseini Akuetteh Addy, Technical Director; Mr. Henry Quarshie, Secretary of the Greater Accra Armwrestling; and Mr. Prosper Ashiquaye from the Volta Regional Armwrestling.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service has also been appointed as a patron of Ghana Armwrestling.
Source: Ghana/StarrFM 103.5FM/Christian Kobby Quarshie
