The Volta River Authority (VRA) on Tuesday presented assorted drugs and 50 student mattresses and blankets worth 10 million cedis to the Akuse Prison to alleviate some of the material needs of the prison.

The drugs included quantities of paracetamol, aspirin, chloroquine and Darapim tablets and cough syrup.

The Reverend Isamael Ghansah, Acting Deputy Chief Executive of Resources and Services, VRA, who presented the items said the donation was in response to the appeal the prison authorities made to the public for aid.

He pledged the VRA's commitment to assist needy communities and hoped that the donation would help alleviate the plight of the inmates and the entire prison community.

Superintendent Kofi Kakraba Sagoe, Second in Command

of the Prison who received the gifts said the treatment of the inmates was a headache to the prison, especially under the Cash and Carry system.

He said sending the inmates to and from courts was also a financial burden since the only vehicle they have has broken down and they are forced to convey prisoners in taxis.

Supt. Sagoe said, "as at now, the Prison Service has only one nurse who mans our infirmary with inadequate drugs".

He said the donation had come at a critical time when the Prisons Service was in need of such assistance to help alleviate some of its problems. Most of the prisoners were suffering from diseases like scabies, skin diseases and malaria, he said.

"The number of inmates keeps on doubling as the prison, which is supposed to accommodate 100 inmates now has 209, while only 14 officers are resident at the Akuse barracks with 107 officers staying in town".

Supt. Sagoe appealed to benevolent organisations to come to their aid to meet their pressing needs.