Youth aged 18–25 make up 75% of inmates at Navrongo Central Prisons
The Officer in Charge of Operations at the Navrongo Central Prisons, Superintendent Oscar Piuyire, disclosed this while briefing members of the Kassena Nankana West District Assembly during its Third Ordinary Meeting on December 19.
The Navrongo Central Prisons has revealed that it records an inmate population ranging between 150 and 200 inmates over the year under review, with youth aged between 18 and 25 forming the majority of inmates, a situation prison authorities describe as a worrying national concern.
The Officer in Charge of Operations at the Navrongo Central Prisons, Superintendent Oscar Piuyire, disclosed this while briefing members of the Kassena Nankana West District Assembly during its Third Ordinary Meeting on December 19.
“Navrongo Central Prisons, our total inmate population during the year under review stands at 150 to 200 inmates,” he said.
Providing an update on the current situation, Superintendent Piuyire revealed that as of December 19, the prison’s total inmate lock-up stood at 184 inmates, made up largely of remand prisoners.
“As of today, the 19th of December, our total inmate lock-up is 184, comprising 30 remand inmates and four trials,” he explained.
He clarified that trial inmates are persons accused of serious offences, including murder, who are awaiting court proceedings.
A major concern highlighted in the briefing was the age profile of inmates, with data showing that young people dominate the prison population.
“The data also tells us that the youth are the majority in our prisons. That is from the 18 to 25 age group, which constitutes 75 per cent of the inmate population,” Superintendent Piuyire stated.
Piuyire stressed that tackling youth involvement in crime requires the combined efforts of families, communities, and government institutions.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Alexander Kubabom
