Mahama Commits GH¢100m in 2027 Budget to Complete Abandoned Nsawam Remand Block

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a GH¢100 million allocation in the 2027 Budget to complete the abandoned remand prison block at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, a facility intended to separate pre-trial detainees from convicted inmates.

Speaking at the second induction service of Reverend Stephen Yenusom Wengam as General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, and the inauguration of the Church's new Executive Presbytery officers in Accra on Saturday, November 7, President Mahama said the project began during his previous administration but stalled after he left office.

"I am happy to say that we will complete it next year," he said.

A Matter of Dignity

The President credited Rev. Wengam's work with the Prisons Council, particularly the "Efiase" project, with drawing attention to the plight of remand prisoners. "Your work with the Prisons Council, including the famous 'Efiase' project, reflects a concern for the dignity and rehabilitation of people who are easily forgotten," Mahama said.

"Remand prisoners have not been convicted, so they are not criminals. But convicted prisoners, you can say, are criminals."

The distinction is significant in Ghana's correctional system. Project Efiase—launched in 2015 under Rev. Wengam's chairmanship of the Prisons Service Council—was designed to mobilise public support for prison reform, with a focus on overcrowding and the mixing of remand and convicted inmates. The Nsawam facility, with a planned capacity of 800, is intended to address that separation directly.

Broader Church Contributions Recognised

President Mahama also commended Rev. Wengam's service as Chairman of the Lordina Foundation from 2017 to 2022 and acknowledged the Assemblies of God's contributions to education, healthcare and community welfare, saying such interventions complemented government's development efforts.

He urged religious institutions to sustain their support for communities and appealed to the Assemblies of God, Ghana, to continue praying for his government and offering constructive counsel.

Rev. Wengam was re-elected General Superintendent in August 2026 with 89.48 per cent of the vote, securing a second term. He previously served as Chairman of the Ghana Prisons Service Council and currently chairs the Governing Council of the Ghana Immigration Service.

The President congratulated Rev. Wengam on his re-election and his continued leadership of the church.