Accra, May 19, The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, has pledged her commitment to prioritise sports as a major tool in lifting the image of the Ghana Prisons Service.
She said sports contribute immensely in building officers and inmates both physically and mentally.
The Director-General made this call when a delegation from the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), led by President Charles Osei Asibey, paid a working visit to congratulate her on her new role and also discuss the growth of armwrestling.
“I have played and administered sports throughout my life. This made me disciplined and active and has played a key role in where I am today. Sports built my confidence and gave me the platform to shine, so I know what sports can do and how they can transform individuals into becoming better persons,” she said.
She said the Directorate has begun engagement with other authorities to get inmates and officers of the Prisons Service to actively play sports for correction and unearthing of more talent.
Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie again assured that her office would do its utmost best to make sports a frontliner in the service in changing the narratives and image of the Prison Service.
“This transformational plan will serve as a cornerstone for the successful reintegration of prisoners, equipping them with essential skills and confidence for the future,” she added.
The Ghana Prisons Service had paid its dues in the development of sports, having previously held the baton for producing some top sportsmen and women who have won laurels for Ghana.
Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) and Armwrestling Federation of Africa (AFA), said a relationship with the Prisons Service would yield positive results, culminating in the Prisons Service producing national and continental champions.
He recalled years back when the Ghana Prisons Service used to be a tough competitor in sports, producing some top-notch and notable athletes like Felix Aboagye, Eric Nkansah, Mark Anthony Awere, etc., for Ghana.
“Sports, when revamped in the service, will have diverse benefits. It can be used for public relations and rebranding purposes and also as an IGF for the service. A lot must be done to avert the dwindling fortunes.”
He congratulated Mrs Baffoe Bonnie and wished her well in the years ahead.
The Ghana Prisons Service and the Ghana Armwrestling Federation in the meeting mutually agreed to immediately commence the training and establishment of an armwrestling club made up of officers and inmates to dominate the local scene.
Present at the meeting were the Vice President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, Dr Kofi Addo-Agyekum; the Technical Director, Mr. Husseini Akuetteh Addy; the Greater Accra Armwrestling Secretary, Mr. Henry Quarshie; and Mr. Prosper Ashiquaye of the Volta Regional Armwrestling.
The Director General of the Ghana Prisons Service has since been named as a patron of Ghana Armwrestling.
