Ghana has over 40 prisons spread across the country. These prisons are different types, including Local Prisons, Female Prisons, Juvenile Facilities, Open Camp Prisons, Special Facilities, Central Prisons, Maximum Security Prisons, and Medium Security Prisons.
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Many prisoners say some of these prisons are like “hell on earth” because of how the buildings are made and how the guards treat them. Here are the top ten most dangerous prisons in Ghana.
1. Ankaful Maximum Security Prison
This is the newest and most secure prison in Ghana. It is found at the Ankaful Prison Complex near Cape Coast in the Central Region. It holds all kinds of prisoners, especially those considered very dangerous. The security here is very tight, and no one wants to be sent there.
2. Kumasi Central Prison
This is one of the oldest prisons in Ghana, located in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. It is very dangerous because many prisoners are kept in one small cell. The cells are overcrowded, and prisoners often complain about the heat and lack of space to even sleep.
3. Nsawam Medium Security Prison
Located in Nsawam in the Eastern Region, this prison is very overcrowded. It is built to hold 851 people, but currently holds about 3,000 prisoners in the male ward. The overcrowding makes life very hard for inmates.
4. Tamale Central Prison
This prison is in Tamale Township and is also overcrowded. It can only hold about 1,000 prisoners but currently houses many more. Being there even for one day is considered a big punishment.
5. James Fort Prison
James Fort Prison is in Jamestown, Accra. It was built by the British in the 16th century to hold slaves. It has served Ghana for over 400 years. However, it was recently closed and turned into a museum for tourists.
6. Sunyani Prison
Sunyani Prison is located in the Bono Region. Like many others, it suffers from overcrowding and poor facilities. The prison has limited resources and struggles with maintaining proper sanitation, making it risky for prisoners’ health.
7. Ho Central Prison
This prison is in the Volta Region and is known for overcrowding and bad conditions. Many prisoners share very small cells, and there is poor ventilation and insufficient access to clean water.
8. Sekondi Central Prison
Located in the Western Region, Sekondi Prison has also faced overcrowding problems. The facilities are old, and the prison struggles to provide enough food and medical care for inmates.
9. Kete Krachi Prison
This prison is in the Oti Region. It is one of the smaller prisons but still faces issues like overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of proper healthcare. Conditions are tough for prisoners.
10. Wa Central Prison
Wa Prison is in the Upper West Region. It is known for being overcrowded and having poor living conditions. There is also limited security, which sometimes causes unrest among inmates.
