Ejura Traditional Council Cuts Sod for 250-Unit Prison Officers’ Accommodation Project

The Ejura Traditional Council, in collaboration with the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal Assembly and the Ghana Prisons Service, has cut sod for the construction of a 250-unit accommodation facility for officers of the Ejura Camp Prison at Ejura-Nkwanta.

The project, championed by the Ejurahene, Barima Osei Hwedie II, and the Ejura Traditional Council, is aimed at addressing the longstanding accommodation challenges faced by Prison Officers in the Municipality and improving their welfare and working conditions.

The sod-cutting ceremony, held on Thursday, 22nd January 2026, brought together the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Esq.; the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ejura-Sekyedumase, Hon. Rafiu Adam Seidu; representatives of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC); senior officers of the Ghana Prisons Service; traditional leaders; Zongo chiefs; the Chief Imam; representatives of the Christian Council of Churches and Islamic clergy; security commanders; and distinguished citizens of Ejura from within and outside the Municipality.

The project is expected to provide decent and accessible accommodation for Prison Officers stationed at the Ejura Camp Prison, many of whom currently travel considerable distances to and from work. When completed, the facility is expected to significantly reduce the physical, financial, and emotional strain associated with long daily commutes while improving staff welfare, morale, and operational efficiency.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie described the initiative as timely and important to the welfare and effective performance of Prison Officers.

She emphasised that adequate accommodation and staff welfare were critical to operational excellence and the successful rehabilitation of inmates.

“Without adequate and well-structured accommodation, complemented by recreational facilities, proper nutrition, healthcare, and training, we cannot achieve optimal performance or successful rehabilitation of inmates,”

she stated.

The Director-General expressed profound gratitude to the Ejurahene and the Ejura Traditional Council for their sustained commitment to supporting security institutions and for making land available for the project.

She noted that many Prison Officers serving at the Ejura Camp Prison had endured significant challenges associated with long-distance commuting, with some travelling more than 18 kilometres daily to and from work.

According to her, the new accommodation would help reduce the burden on officers and contribute to improved wellbeing, productivity, and service delivery.

Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie also appealed to the Ejurahene to consider allocating additional land to the Ghana Prisons Service for an agricultural mechanisation project to support inmate rehabilitation and contribute to food sustainability.

In a further demonstration of the Traditional Council’s commitment to the project, Barima Osei Hwedie II formally presented land documentation relating to a large parcel of arable land allocated to the Ghana Prisons Service for development purposes.

Reports presented at the ceremony referenced the land as approximately 448 acres, with some accounts putting the figure at about 450 acres. The land, which was made available to the Service several years ago, is expected to support the Ghana Prisons Service’s long-term development and agricultural initiatives in the area.

The Ejurahene reaffirmed the Traditional Council’s commitment to supporting security agencies operating within the Municipality, stressing that peace and security remain a priority for the people of Ejura.

He noted that Prison Officers form an important part of the country’s internal security architecture and frequently contribute to municipal security operations and Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) engagements.

He therefore emphasised the importance of providing security personnel with decent accommodation and the necessary resources to enable them to perform their duties effectively.

Barima Osei Hwedie II also highlighted the Traditional Council’s previous support for other security agencies, including the military, Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Immigration Service, through the provision of land and support for accommodation and other institutional facilities.

He reiterated that the Traditional Council would continue to collaborate with the Ghana Prisons Service and other security agencies on future development initiatives.

The Ejurahene further commended the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service for her leadership and commitment to the development and welfare of personnel. He also appealed for the continued retention of the Officer-in-Charge of the Ejura Camp Prison, Superintendent John Kwame Ntumy, citing his dedication and positive contribution to security and prison administration in the area.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Rafiu Adam Seidu, commended the Ejurahene and the Ejura Traditional Council for what he described as a bold and commendable initiative aimed at improving the working and living conditions of Prison Officers in the Municipality.

He said the project demonstrated the importance of collaboration between traditional authorities, local government, and security institutions in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.

In support of the project, the MCE announced a donation of 10,500 concrete blocks towards the initial construction works. He also pledged continued support as the project progresses.

The MCE further announced an additional contribution of 100 bags of cement on behalf of the Member of Parliament for Ejura-Sekyedumase, Hon. Muhammad Bawah Braimah, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to other official engagements outside the jurisdiction.

The combined support from the MCE and the Member of Parliament is expected to contribute significantly to the commencement of construction works. The two leaders also pledged to support the provision of sand, water, and labour required for the moulding of the blocks.

The local Nigerian community also demonstrated its support for the project by contributing 40 bags of cement towards the construction of the accommodation facility.

Hon. Rafiu Adam Seidu expressed appreciation to the Ejura Traditional Council for its continued support for development initiatives in the Municipality, noting that improved welfare and working conditions for security personnel would ultimately contribute to enhanced safety and security for residents.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Municipal Assembly and the office of the Member of Parliament to supporting the project and other initiatives aimed at strengthening security and improving institutional infrastructure within the Municipality.

The event was also attended by senior officials of the Ghana Prisons Service, including the Director responsible for Welfare and Inmates Treatment, the Head of Public Affairs, the Ashanti Regional Prisons Commander, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer, and the Officer-in-Charge of the Ejura Camp Prison, alongside representatives of other security agencies and stakeholders.

The construction of the 250-unit accommodation facility is expected to strengthen collaboration between the Ejura Traditional Council, the Municipal Assembly, the Ghana Prisons Service, and other stakeholders while addressing a critical housing need for Prison Officers in the area.

The project is further expected to boost staff morale, improve the welfare of personnel, enhance operational effectiveness, and contribute to the overall peace and security of the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality.

The Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal Assembly remains committed to supporting collaborative initiatives that strengthen public institutions, improve the welfare of security personnel, and promote a safe, peaceful, and development-oriented Municipality.