By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Ho (V/R), Feb. 3, GNA – The World Human Rescue and Advocacy Organization (WHRAO), has officially launched its operations at the Ho Central Prison, with a call for collective action to improve access to legal representation, rehabilitation, and reintegration support for inmates.
The launch, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment on Monday February 2, was themed: “Righting the Scales”, reflecting the organization’s commitment to promoting justice, human dignity, and second chances for the less privileged.
Speaking at the event, Mr Michael Asare, Chief Executive Officer of the Organisation, said the group’s core mission was to provide legal representation to individuals who could not afford it and to support them with skills training after securing their freedom.
“What we do is to give access to legal representation to the less privileged. But we do not stop there,” he said.
“After helping to secure their freedom, we also equip them with skills of their choice so they can reintegrate into society and become better and productive citizens. We believe everyone deserves a second chance.”
Mr Asare explained that his motivation stemmed from his personal experiences in the courts, where he observed how the lack of legal representation often disadvantaged vulnerable people, sometimes leading to incarceration.
“I have seen how the law can work against people who do not have legal support. That reality inspired me to establish this organisation,” he noted.
He emphasised that the initiative was a collective effort and appealed to individuals, institutions, and organisations to support the cause through donations in cash or in kind.
“This is a social call. We cannot do it alone. We need everyone on board, through funding, donations, and partnerships, so we can expand our impact,” he added.
Ms Delight Modzaka, the Organization’s Administrator, said the launch was also an advocacy visit aimed at reassuring inmates that they were not alone.
“We are here to advocate for them and to let them know that we will intercede on their behalf,” she said.
“We have brought donations, including toiletries and other essential items, to support and empower them.”
She noted that while the team brought items for all inmates, the organsation planned a follow-up visit with specific donations such as sanitary pads and other gender-specific supplies to better support female inmates.
“Everybody is part of our package,” she said. “We want to promote a peaceful life for all, because we believe that, regardless of past mistakes, everyone deserves a second chance.”
Receiving the delegation and donations on behalf of the Volta Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service, Reverend, Assistant Superintendent of Prison (ASP) Courage Atsu, the Volta and Oti Regions chaplain of the Prison Service, commended the organization for its gesture and highlighted the Service’s ongoing reforms under the “Prisons 360 Degrees” initiative, which focuses on inmate welfare, legal support, and rehabilitation.
“One of the key priorities of our Director-General is the welfare of inmates, how to support them legally, how to help them reintegrate, and how to improve their living conditions,” he said.
Rev. ASP Atsu noted that while the prison currently run a tailoring programme, there was a strong need for expanded vocational training in areas such as carpentry and access to industrial sewing machines and other equipment.
“We need support for both the male and female prisons in terms of vocational training, food, clothing, medication, and other essential resources,” he appealed.
“It is not easy here, and we encourage organisations and individuals to come in and offer assistance.
He expressed gratitude to Mr Asare, describing him as a friend of the Prison Service and someone who had previously experienced the prison environment and had returned to fulfill his promise to support inmates.
On behalf of the Regional Commander, the Second-in-Command, and all officers, Rev. ASP Atsu thanked the organisation for its generosity and advocacy.
As part of the launch activities, the team engaged with inmates, offering words of encouragement and advocacy, and distributed donated items, including cooked food, clothing, and other essential goods, to support their immediate needs.
GNA
Edited By Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei