GH¢15 transport for released prisoners is not enough, says Crime Check Foundation

The Executive Director of Crime Check Foundation, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, has criticized the GH¢15 transport allowance provided to released prisoners as insufficient. He urged the government to reconsider the amount, stating that it is not enough to cover the cost of transporting former inmates to their communities, regardless of the distance.

During an interview on The Law with Samson Lardy on JoyNews, Kwarteng emphasized that the lack of adequate support often drives released prisoners to steal while traveling home to raise funds for the remaining journey. He explained that some ex-inmates resort to theft not out of criminal intent but due to the inability of the state's financial assistance to reach their destinations.

Kwarteng highlighted that with the increase in feeding fees from GH¢1.80 pesewas to GH¢15, the transport allowance might also rise. He stated that with GH¢15, it is impossible for a person to reach their destination. In such cases, some released prisoners are forced to steal en route to ensure they can resume their journey. Kwarteng shared that his interactions with former inmates revealed numerous instances of theft due to the inability to afford the complete journey home.

He attributed this situation partly to the government's inadequate planning for the reintegration of former prisoners, warning that the lack of support could hinder efforts to reform and rehabilitate offenders. He called on the government to review the GH¢15 allowance and provide more substantial financial assistance to enable released prisoners to return to their communities and rebuild their lives.