Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right. Yet for many correctional facilities, access to quality healthcare remains a challenge as a result of limited or non-existent essential medical equipment, placing additional pressure on healthcare personnel responsible for the well-being of inmates.

To help address this need, the Telecel Ghana Foundation has donated medical equipment and healthcare supplies to the Ghana Prisons Medical Equipment Bank, a centralised resource that supports prison health facilities across the country.

In response to a request from the Ghana Prisons Service, the donation included patient examination beds, blood pressure monitors, resuscitators, a nebuliser, a medical centrifuge, diagnostic instruments, pulse oximeters, IV stands, and other essential medical supplies. These items are expected to strengthen healthcare services within correctional facilities by improving access to critical medical equipment where and when it is needed most. The support will strengthen prison health centres’ capacity and help deliver timely, effective care for inmates nationwide.  

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Executive Head for Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo and Bono East Regions at Telecel Ghana, Kweku Asiedu, underscored the importance of ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all members of society.

“Access to healthcare should not be determined by circumstance. Through this donation, we are supporting the Ghana Prisons Service in its efforts to provide quality healthcare for inmates while equipping health professionals with the resources they need to deliver effective care. We are pleased to respond to this request and hope this contribution makes a meaningful difference across prison facilities nationwide,” he said.

The Public Health Officer at Kumasi Central Prison, DSP Gariba Muntah, described the donation as timely and impactful, noting that the equipment would support healthcare workers in delivering improved services to inmates.

“This donation comes at an important time. The medical supplies and equipment will significantly support our work and enhance the quality of healthcare available to inmates. It will also enable us to respond more effectively to healthcare needs within the prison system. We sincerely appreciate the Telecel Foundation for this support,” he said.

Also expressing gratitude, Deputy Director of Prisons and Officer-in-Charge of Kumasi Central Prison, James B. Mwinyelle, commended the Foundation for responding to the Service’s request and reaffirmed the Ghana Prisons Service’s commitment to ensuring the equipment is used responsibly.

“We are grateful to the Telecel Foundation for supporting the Ghana Prisons Service Medical Equipment Bank. This donation will strengthen healthcare services across our facilities and contribute significantly to improving the wellbeing of inmates. We assure the Foundation that the equipment will be properly maintained and utilised for its intended purpose,” he said.

The donation forms part of the Foundation’s Connected Health pillar, which focuses on improving access to quality healthcare and supporting stronger health systems across Ghana. Through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions, the Foundation continues to invest in initiatives that expand access to essential healthcare services and improve health outcomes for underserved and vulnerable populations.