Ghana’s Interior Minister-designate, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has proposed large-scale agricultural initiatives in prisons as a solution to persistent food shortages in correctional facilities.
Speaking at his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on February 25, 2025, Mr. Terlabi highlighted the inadequate daily food allowance of GH¢1.80 per inmate. He believes that engaging prisoners in large-scale farming would help them grow their own food, supplement their meals, and even generate income for the upkeep of the prisons.
He suggested establishing prison camps dedicated to agriculture, emphasizing that beyond subsistence farming, correctional facilities could produce food for secondary schools and other institutions facing shortages. He cited Burkina Faso’s prison farming model as a reference for Ghana.
Additionally, he proposed relocating some prisons from urban areas to rural regions, where there would be more space for large-scale farming activities. Mr. Terlabi also encouraged private sector involvement in expanding prison agricultural projects.
His remarks come amid growing concerns about overcrowding and poor conditions in Ghana’s prisons.
