The 2015 World Population Day celebration was one of restoring hope and awakening dreams as UNFPA Ghana and partners visited inmates of the Senior Correctional Center in Accra, where UNFPA Representative Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi urged society to spend more time with the unfortunate young people who find themselves in such centres.
Speaking on the theme; “Vulnerable Societies in Emergency Situations: Youth in Confinement”. Dr. Ahonsi said although the focus worldwide was on the vulnerable in humanitarian emergencies, Ghana chose to be with the young people at the correctional center because they are vulnerable in their current situation. He said the young inmates are powerless, voiceless and marginalized due to the fact that they have been confined. For these young persons to reform and be useful citizens as per the intent, they need the support of their immediate family members as well as the larger society to give them more attention. In particular, basic needs of life such as nutritious food, relevant education and skills training as well as access to health services including sexual and reproductive healthcare must be made available to them. Concluding his speech, Dr. Ahonsi stressed that: “at UNFPA, our work revolves around the needs of women, girls and young people, helping them maintain their dignity, securing their safety, promoting their access to sexual and reproductive health care services and also ensuring that every young person’s potential is fulfilled. This we do, even when young people find themselves in constrained situations”. He encouraged the inmates not to relent in their efforts at developing themselves but work hard to be agents of positive change in society. He also called on the Government of Ghana, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to develop keen interest in reforming inmates of correctional homes.
In a statement read on behalf of the Minister in charge of Social and Allied Agencies, the Director of Finance, Alhaji Lawal Musah of National Population Council announced that relevant national policies by the Government of Ghana in the area of population and youth development are imminent. He urged the inmates to make good use of their time at the center and take advantage of opportunities given them to develop into responsible citizens. The Minister thanked UNFPA, the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana and the National Population Council for bringing hope to the vulnerable in society.
The center holds about 125 young people who have been charged with criminal offences, abetment of crime and other social vices. The center according to the Greater Accra Regional PRO of Ghana Prisons Service, Sergeant Francis Agbomadzia is for correctional purposes and meant to break the link between juvenile delinquency and adult crime. He appealed to non–governmental organizations, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to help develop the center.
The young inmates were filled with joy as they sang and danced to joyous music at the event. Counselling sessions were held for the inmates in the areas of skills development, school continuity, parental neglect and adolescent reproductive health issues.
