The Minister-Designate for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has raised serious concerns over the deplorable state of Ghana’s prisons, particularly the meagre daily feeding budget allocated for inmates.

Speaking during his vetting before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Friday, January 24, Muntaka vowed to make prison reform a priority if his nomination is confirmed.

The Asawase MP revealed that prisoners are fed on a daily budget of just GH¢1.80 (approximately $0.15), an amount he described as inhumane and grossly inadequate for proper nutrition.

“I was shocked when I heard that the ration for feeding a prisoner in Ghana is GH¢1.80 for the whole day,” he said.

“With the greatest of respect, even the cats and dogs in our houses receive better care.

It’s unacceptable to treat our own compatriots this way and expect them to remain healthy.”

Muntaka stressed that malnutrition among inmates, coupled with overcrowded facilities, has worsened health conditions, increasing the risk of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and scabies.

The Minister-Designate assured the committee that raising the feeding budget would be among his top priorities.

“Prisoners are still human beings,” he stated. “If we are serious about rehabilitation and correction, we must treat them with dignity, ensuring they receive proper nutrition and healthcare.”

Beyond poor feeding, overcrowding remains a critical challenge.

Many of Ghana’s prisons operate far beyond their intended capacity, worsening unsanitary conditions and the spread of diseases.