President John Dramani Mahama announced that GH¢100 million will be set aside in the 2027 Budget to complete the abandoned remand prison block at Nsawam Medium Security Prison. The new facility is intended to house remand prisoners—those awaiting trial who have not yet been convicted—separately from convicted inmates.
The allocation was revealed on Saturday, November 7, during the second induction service of Reverend Stephen Yenusom Wengam as General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, and the inauguration of the Church’s new Executive Presbytery officers in Accra.
Mahama credited Rev. Wengam’s work with the Prisons Council, including the noted ‘Efiase’ project, for drawing attention to the plight of remand prisoners. He noted, “Your work with the Prisons Council, including the famous ‘Efiase’ project, reflects a concern for the dignity and rehabilitation of people who are easily forgotten. Remand prisoners have not been convicted, so they are not criminals. But convicted prisoners, you can say, are criminals.”
The construction of the remand facility began during Mahama’s previous administration but stalled after he left office. He said, “I am happy to say that we will complete it next year.” The president also praised Rev. Wengam’s service as Chairman of the Lordina Foundation from 2017 to 2022 and highlighted the church’s contributions to education, healthcare and community welfare.
Mahama urged religious institutions to continue supporting communities and appealed to the Assemblies of God, Ghana, to keep praying for the government and offering constructive counsel. He also congratulated Rev. Wengam on his election for a second term as General Superintendent.
With the new budget allocation, the Nsawam remand block is expected to be finished by the end of 2028, improving conditions for thousands of awaiting‑trial inmates across the country.
