By Eric Appah Marfo, GNA
Accra, July 18, GNA–The Reverend Emmanuel N.A. Wellington, Superintendent Minister of the Accra Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana, has advised Ghanaians not to take their freedom for granted.
He warned that even impatience could have life-changing consequences.
Speaking after a visit to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison on Saturday, he said his interaction with inmates had reinforced the importance of exercising patience, self-control and respect for the law.
“If you have your freedom, don’t joke with it,” he said.
“We should all learn to be patient with one another because some of the inmates are here because of little things. Let us be careful how we conduct ourselves so that we do not find ourselves behind these walls.”
The visit to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison was organised by the Men’s Fellowship of the Accra Wesley Circuit as part of activities marking the fellowship’s 45th anniversary.
The delegation donated assorted items including used clothing, toiletries, detergents, liquid soap, soft drinks, biscuits to both the male and female immates.
Rev Wellington encouraged inmates not to lose hope but to use their period of incarceration as an opportunity for reflection, spiritual renewal and personal development.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Esther, he reminded the inmates that difficult circumstances should not define their future.
“Wherever you find yourselves, God is still with you. Perhaps He has allowed you to be here for a purpose. Encourage yourselves, pray, remain determined and make good use of the talents God has given you so that when you leave this place, you can successfully reintegrate into society,” he said.
He also urged Christians to remember prisoners through regular visits and acts of kindness, describing such gestures as a fulfilment of Christ’s command to care for those in prison.
Quoting Matthew 25:31-46, Rev Wellington said believers should not neglect inmates simply because they had broken the law.
He appealed to the Government to improve the welfare of inmates by reviewing their daily feeding allocation, addressing overcrowding and improving accommodation facilities.
The clergyman commended educational opportunities available at the prison, including programmes run in partnership with the University of Cape Coast, saying education remained one of the most effective tools for rehabilitation.
“The purpose of imprisonment should not only be punishment but transformation. When inmates complete their sentences, they should leave better equipped to contribute positively to society,” he said.
Mr Frederick Oteng Offei, Chairman of the Men’s Fellowship of the Accra Wesley Circuit, said the prison outreach marked the first activity in a series of events to commemorate the fellowship’s 45th anniversary.
He said the visit was intended to demonstrate compassion and solidarity with inmates while reminding them that they remained valued members of society.
“We wanted to identify with our brothers and sisters here, show them empathy and let them know they are not forgotten,” he said.
Mr Offei said the anniversary celebration would continue with a public lecture on Monday, July 20, to reflect on the fellowship’s 45-year journey and achievements.
The celebrations would climax with a thanksgiving service at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral in Accra on Sunday, July 26.
Mr Offei said the prison visit would not be a one-off exercise, explaining that members had been deeply moved by the conditions of the prison.
“Our visit has changed our perception. We have seen that not everyone here is beyond redemption. We will reorganise ourselves and come back to continue supporting them,” he said.
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Doris Annan, who received the items on behalf of the Regional Commander at the female section, expressed appreciation to the church for the gesture.
She said the donations would support the welfare of inmates and appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and other benevolent groups to continue extending support to correctional facilities across the country.
GNA
Reporter: Eric Appah Marfo
Email: [email protected]
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong