The Christ the King Cathedral Parish in Sunyani has donated assorted items to the Sunyani Central Prison in the Diocese.
The delegation was led by Rev. Fr. Joseph Domfe Boateng, Cathedral Administrator, and Sir Emmanuel Taa-Amoako, Cathedral Parish President.
Fr. Boateng stated, “The Holy Spirit makes us joyful, and we celebrate that by sharing. So we bring you some foodstuff to make our joy complete.”
In a homily during Mass, he referenced the transformational life of Malcolm X in a U.S. prison to inspire the inmates, saying: “The downfall of a man is not the end of his life. Malcolm X brought hope to the Black community in America.”
He encouraged inmates to live renewed lives upon release and not repeat the mistakes that led to their incarceration, urging them to hold on to their faith.
Rev. CSP Ndebugri Gideon, Prison Chaplain, received the donation on behalf of the Regional Commander and expressed gratitude, noting the Cathedral’s continued support.
“The Cathedral has been here twice this year. Catholics seem to have a deeper understanding of Christianity,” he remarked.
He also appealed for prayers, highlighting the increasing number of young inmates and challenges such as limited medication and inadequate meal allowances—GHC 1.80 per inmate per day.
Rev. Fr. ASP Emmanuel Asare Bediako Obama shared that Brig. Gen. Sir Sam Bennett and his wife Georgina have tiled both male and female bathrooms and are sponsoring a former inmate now pursuing a university education at the Catholic University.
The prison currently holds 747 inmates—736 males and 11 females. The males are mostly in their twenties; the females are older.
There is both Junior and Senior High School within the prison. Inmates who excel are enrolled to sit BECE and WASSCE exams. Female inmates learn sewing and baking, while males are trained in masonry and carpentry.
An inmate spokesperson appealed for the Church to tile the prison chapel. Mr. Robert Alhassan, a parishioner, donated GH¢500 in response, and Mr. Pozo, a professional tiler, offered to tile the space free of charge once materials are provided. Other parishioners also made voluntary donations.
Also present were Rev. Fr. Dennis Gyabaah Yeboah, Associate Cathedral Administrator; Rev. John Essel Mensah, Permanent Deacon; and Mr. Alexander Kissi, Cathedral catechist and Catholic Standard vendor.
Sir Taa-Amoako thanked the Cathedral choir and parishioners for their generosity.
Items donated included: bags of beans, gari, maize, and rice; cartons of Milo; gallons of cooking oil; sacks of yoghurt; detergents; sugar; toiletries; used clothing; and disinfectants.
From Michael Akornoba
