The Koforidua Local Prisons is appealing for public support to construct a Library and Counselling Unit for inmates to address the emotional, psychological, and academic needs of prisoners as part of their reformation process.
The Chaplain for the Koforidua Prisons, Reverend ASP Samuel Bentum, stated that the library will theoretically support those pursuing various Technical and Vocational Education Training programs.
The Chaplain appealed to churches, individuals, groups, and institutions to assist with building materials such as cement, sand, and iron rods to complete the project.
“The chaplaincy wants to build a counselling unit, and also a library for the inmates. And the purpose is that, aside the spiritual aspect that the chaplaincy is taking care of, we also want to look at their psychological aspects also. So the counselling will be there to help them, and then also to talk to them, to be able to know their emotional needs and help them”.
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He added, “Some of the inmates, they do the NVTI program, yes, so we want to also add the library too, so that they will be able to get some books also to study, to be able to write their NVTI exams when the time is due”.
This was disclosed when Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) of Pentecost International Worship Center (PIWC) – Koforidua donated food items, toiletries, and water and other essentials to the Koforidua Prisons and shared fellowship with the prisoners.
Rev. ASP Samuel Bentum commended the Church for the gesture, stating that feeding of the inmate remains a major challenge due to the woefully inadequate allocation per inmate by government.
Resident Minister of PIWC-Koforidua, Pastor Theodore Ashia, reaffirmed the Church of Pentecost’s commitment to prison reforms, noting the church has a dedicated ministry to support inmates.
He recounted various reformation and vocational training facilities the church has built across the country to boost Reformation process of the inmates before their release.
Pastor Theodore Ashia appealed to society not to dispise ex-convicts but embrace and help them reintegrate.
“So in the church, we have ministry to ex-offenders who have been here before and then when they come, we try to help them integrate into society. So we are praying that everybody or people who have families here, when they come back, they should just be rest assured that they have gone through some form of correction. And the church is also doing very well in that area”. Said Pastor Ashia.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
