Regional News of Wednesday, 16 November 2005

Source: GNA

Omanhene advises prisoners

Sunyani (B/A) Nov. 16, GNA - Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, Omanhene of Sunyani on Monday advised inmates of Sunyani Prison to refrain from acts that could send them back to jail after serving their sentences. Nana Nkrawiri was addressing the 791 inmates at the prison during a visit as part of the celebration of his silver jubilee on the throne in Sunyani.

Accompanied by Nana Yaa Nyamaa, queenmother and some sub-chiefs of the traditional area, Nana Nkrawiri also advised the inmates to always observe personal hygiene to prevent contracting diseases. He stated that if they contracted diseases while in prison they would not be strong enough to work to fend for themselves after their discharge and have rejoined their families and siblings. "The best way to stay healthy all the time is to observe personal hygiene," he said and entreated them to lead upright lives even in prison and to respect the prison officials.

The Omanhene later presented a large quantity of de-worming drugs, tooth paste and quantities of foodstuffs to the inmates. The drugs valued at about three million cedis were donated by Kinapharma Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company.

Deputy Superintendent of Prisons Hannah Asiamah, in-charge of the female prisons who received the items on behalf of the inmates thanked the Omanhene and his entourage as well as Kinapharma for the presentation.

DSP Asiamah appealed to the traditional council, non-governmental organizations, churches and other stakeholders to assist the prisons financially or in kind for the upkeep of the inmates. Nana Nyamaa said the traditional council had taken note of the appeal and would do all it could to help the inmates. As part of the jubilee anniversary celebration, the Sunyani Omanhene paid visits to the Central Mosque and Zongo Community where he interacted with members and residents. He also toured the Regional Hospital, Municipal hospital, municipal health insurance secretariat and took part in a clean-up exercise by various identifiable groups in Sunyani. There was also a Gospel rock show featuring local and foreign artistes.

The celebration, which started on November 4, this year, continues.