Golden Touch Foundation (GTF), a charitable organization, has paid the fines of two inmates at the Koforidua Prisons to secure their release, allowing them to celebrate Christmas with their families.
The beneficiaries, Bekoe Alex, 27, and Essel David, 42, had been incarcerated at the Koforidua Prisons due to their inability to pay court-imposed fines.
Bekoe Alex was sentenced to eight months in prison by the Abirim Circuit Court after failing to pay a fine of GH₵3,600 for stealing four bunches of palm fruits.
Essel David, a divorcee, was sentenced to four months in prison after being unable to pay fines and compensation totaling GH₵2,720 for damaging his ex-wife’s household items.
While Bekoe had already served three months, Essel had also served two months and two weeks before their releases.
Both beneficiaries were given cash for transportation back to their communities and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the foundation.
They described their release as miraculous, as they had no hope of paying their fines.
Speaking about the intervention, Florence Owusua Mensah, President of Golden Touch Foundation, explained that the initiative aligns with the organization’s vision to support the poor and vulnerable in society.
“Golden Touch Foundation decided to touch the lives of these inmates by paying their fines to gain them freedom to join their families to celebrate this Christmas,” she said. “Through the support of our donors, we were able to release these two young inmates. We urge the public to support us in raising funds to release more individuals incarcerated for their inability to pay court fines, giving them a second chance and helping to decongest the prisons.”
The foundation also donated cartons of assorted beverages and biscuits to the Koforidua Prisons as part of their charitable efforts.
DSP Kwadwo Boakye, Officer In Charge of Reception at the Koforidua Prisons, praised the foundation for its impactful intervention.
“There are dozens of individuals languishing in prison for their inability to pay fines, some as low as GH₵1,000. This situation continues to worsen congestion in the prisons,” DSP Boakye said.
He urged other organizations and churches to go beyond donating food items and assist in paying fines to secure the release of such inmates.
The Golden Touch Foundation,also announced upcoming projects, including visits to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to support mothers, the provision of sanitary pads and used clothing, and other interventions for vulnerable groups in Prechia, a farming community in Yilo Krobo.
Deborah Otubea Acheampong, Charity Narteh, and Matilda Dwria, all executive members of the foundation, appealed to philanthropists and benevolent individuals to support the NGO in mobilizing resources for these projects scheduled to take place in January 2025.
