Church of Pentecost: Mahama unveils 300-capacity Damongo correctional centre  

The President commends the Church for its partnership with the government in prison reforms and its promotion of national renewal.

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a 300-capacity correctional centre constructed by The Church of Pentecost at Damongo, in the Savannah Region.

He described it as a testament to the power of faith-based partnership and civic responsibility in advancing national development.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Mahama praised the Church for its continuous collaboration with the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) in promoting rehabilitation, reintegration, and humane incarceration. The new Damongo facility adds to similar correctional centres the Church has built at Ejura in the Ashanti Region and Nsawam in the Eastern Region.

The President said the commissioning was not merely the opening of a new facility, but the unveiling of a symbol of hope, redemption, and renewal.

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when the state, the Church, and the community come together in service to humanity,” President Mahama stated.

He commended The Church of Pentecost for its vision and sense of civic duty, noting that the project reinforces the shared moral foundation of national development.

“It affirms a timeless truth that nation-building is not the sole responsibility of government but a collective moral endeavour of all who believe in the inherent dignity and potential of every human being,” he added.

President Mahama reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the Ghana Prisons Service into a productive, self-sustaining institution. He said logistics and training support will be provided to enable the Service to undertake large-scale farming, poultry, and vegetable production as part of broader prison reform efforts.

“This initiative will not only increase food production but also generate income to sustain the Service and equip inmates with practical skills for life after incarceration,” he said.

He further explained that the GPS will play a vital role in Ghana’s 24-hour economy, running industries that will operate continuously to produce essential goods and services.

“The Ghana Prisons Service will actively contribute to the 24-hour economy by running prison industries around the clock. This will include manufacturing, sewing school uniforms, producing furniture, agro-processing, and other goods, both for government use and for the open market,” he said.

President Mahama also announced an increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates from GHS 1.80 to GHS 5.00, describing the move as an act of justice and dignity.

“This will provide better nutrition for those incarcerated. This is not charity; it is justice. It reflects our belief that dignity should never be dependent on one’s circumstances,” he emphasized.

To further support staff operations, the President pledged a 66-seater bus for the Damongo Camp Prisons.

Expressing appreciation to the leadership of The Church of Pentecost, President Mahama said:

“On behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, I wish to express our deep gratitude to Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, and the leadership and members of the Church for your faith in humanity, your partnership with the state, and your belief in Mandela’s dictum that ‘society’s greatness is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.’”

For his part, Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, said the project forms part of the Church’s mission to transform lives through faith and social action.

“Our primary objective is to raise disciples of Christ who will impact the world with righteousness,” he said, adding that the Church considers its correctional projects as a ‘Kingdom Project’ aimed at fostering rehabilitation and societal renewal.

The new Damongo Correctional Centre, equipped with modern facilities, is expected to improve living conditions for inmates and support government’s efforts to modernize Ghana’s correctional system through public–faith collaboration.