President John Dramani Mahama has tasked newly appointed security service heads with driving critical reforms to enhance national security, public safety, and correctional rehabilitation.
At a ceremony held at the Presidency in Accra, President Mahama swore in Patience Baffoe-Bonnie as the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, while also announcing the appointments of Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sarpong as Acting Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service and Samuel Basentale Amadu as Acting Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service.
Revamping the Prisons System
In his remarks, President Mahama emphasized the need for Ghana’s prisons to shift from being mere detention centers to institutions focused on rehabilitation. He highlighted upcoming prison reforms, including the introduction of the Prison Service Parole Regulations, which aim to provide second chances for reformed inmates.
The President acknowledged the persistent challenge of prison overcrowding and pledged his administration’s commitment to alternative sentencing methods, expanded educational and vocational training for inmates, and modernized digital record-keeping to improve prison management.
Fire Safety and Disaster Preparedness
Addressing fire safety concerns, President Mahama charged Acting Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sarpong with strengthening fire prevention strategies and emergency response capabilities. He cited the alarming statistic of 6,436 fire incidents recorded last year as an indication of the urgent need for a well-equipped and proactive fire service.
He urged the Ghana National Fire Service to prioritize public education on fire safety, enforce regulations more strictly, and improve emergency response mechanisms to minimize disasters.
Border Security and Immigration Oversight
For the newly appointed Acting Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Samuel Basentale Amadu, the President highlighted the critical role of border security in national stability. He called for intensified intelligence operations to dismantle human trafficking and smuggling networks while advocating for stronger inter-agency collaboration to enhance surveillance at entry and exit points.
Commitment to Reform and Security
President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s dedication to modernizing the nation’s security services, stressing that effective law enforcement is not just about punishment but about upholding justice and human dignity.
“Our security agencies are not just enforcers of the law; they are protectors of human dignity, facilitators of justice, and guarantors of national stability,” he stated.
In response, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, speaking on behalf of her colleagues, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and pledged to work tirelessly to implement the government’s vision for a more efficient, humane, and modernized security system.
The appointments mark a significant step in Ghana’s commitment to security sector reform, with an emphasis on efficiency, professionalism, and national development.
