By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Dec 21, GNA – The Ankaful Maximum Prison has held its annual Nine Lessons and Carols and Thanksgiving Service, bringing together staff and guests in a powerful display of unity and reflection.
The event underscored the prison’s unwavering commitment to professional integrity, compassionate service and rehabilitation efforts amid challenging circumstances.
Held in the prison’s APOTS Chapel, the service featured timeless Christmas carols from the Complex Choir, Prison Band, Prison Ladies Association and Regional Prison Band.
The scriptural readings from the Nine Lessons, heartfelt testimonies and melodious hymns brought audience to their feet, as they danced with abandon.
In a statement read on behalf of the Director-General of Prisons, Mrs Patience Baffoe-Bonnie by Deputy Director of Prisons, Joseph Asabre, Central Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service, urged personnel to safeguard lives, uphold justice and drive transformation within the nation’s correctional system.
She emphasised that Christmas season offered not just celebration, but also opportunities for reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment.
“As we step into 2026, let us do so with fresh energy, optimism and purpose, knowing that the work we do today shapes the future of our Service and our nation,” she said.
“Because I recognise that, despite the challenges of the past year, you have shown remarkable resilience and commitment in carrying out your unique duties as prison officers. I commend your dedication and hard work, which have been essential to sustaining our Service’s mission.”
“Your steadfastness during these critical and trying times has been exemplary and deserves the highest commendation,” she added.
Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie also called on all personnel to reflect on their achievements, assess challenges and identify strategies to further strengthen the Service.
Delivering the sermon, Chief Superintendent of Prisons, Joseph Adobaw-Ogoe, head of the facility’s chaplaincy, urged inmates and staff to repent, forgive freely and embrace Christ’s transformative light.
Drawing from Isaiah 9:6-7, he contrasted Jesus’ everlasting kingdom with fleeting earthly reigns, offering hope and redemption even in despair-filled places like prisons.
Anchored in Luke 2:1-16, he recounted Jesus’ humble birth in a Bethlehem manger amid Roman oppression, where angels proclaimed peace and glory.
This light, he said, pierced a dark world, illuminating paths out of sin, addiction and brokenness, just as shepherds hurried to witness the new born King.
Despite His lowly origins among animals, Jesus commanded Kings’ homage, banished demons and conquered death, proving that true power stems from God, not status.
In this prison context of poverty and regret, Adobaw-Ogoe affirmed God’s boundless love for all as Emmanuel, “God with us,” who reaches everyone.
“No one is beyond His reach,” he declared and noted, “Let Christ’s light dispel every shadow—embrace it, forgive, and walk in His power this season and beyond.”
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Christian Akorlie