RELIGION, PRISON SECURITY AND PRISONER REFORMATION

While it can be argued that religious clamour or ritualistic lifestyle of a group cannot be taken as a conclusive evidence of its true commitment to the professed faith, what is certain is that observers of such practices derive some form of benefit or motivation from it.  

The qualms about the commitment of prison inmates to seeking the face of God have divided opinions on the role of religion in the prisons: whether inmates resort to religion as an opium for their frustrations or it is the clarion call of the Messiah Jesus to all “who are heavy laden and need rest to come to him” that has found its fullest expression in their lives. 

Whatever the imaginary perspective that may be held, this subject will not count much. What is obvious is the indispensable and effectual role religious activities play in the lives of inmates who feel dejected and need solace. 

Some inmates have understood and taken full advantage of religious activities with the desire to amend their old ways. The moral lessons in religious teachings serve as cleansing agents on the conscience of those who commit themselves to reflecting on the word of God received textually or verbally. 

Religion in prison facilities

As human as prison inmates are, they are equally influenced by teachings that border on their spiritual and physical growth. Religious sects must, therefore, seize the opportunity to support efforts that aim at restoring the lives of inmates who have drifted to the path of moral decadence by accident or choice.        

Religious activities constitute an important adjusting force that drives the lives of inmates, without which many of them cannot bear the pain of imprisonment, detachment from loved ones, boredom and draining thoughts that engulf the whole experience of confinement. 

It is for this reason that particular attention is given to religion in prison facilities across the country. Religious activities are, therefore, employed by the prison administrators as one of the useful tools for reforming inmates through teachings and mentoring. 

By participating in religious activities, prisoners hold at bay any bad thought of attempt to escape lawful custody and render ineffective or useless the axiom that ‘the devil finds work for an idle hand’.

Role models

This helps to lessen the risk of inmates contriving with others to foment trouble or break jail. The inmates who take up leadership positions in these religious groups are, by their engrossment in those roles, naturally conditioned to conform to acceptable behaviour that places them above reproach. 

Other inmates who aspire to such roles learn to emulate them and this allows for the inculcation of the “good boy” spirit and its positive transforming effects on the inmates who avail themselves of the opportunity to accept religion as something that can change their lives for the better.  

The outstanding religions in the prisons are Islam and Christianity. The latter has the bigger fold, partly because of its receptiveness to music, a major source of entertainment for the inmates. 

Choirs

There are vibrant choirs in the central prisons with talented inmates who give splendid performances at most prison functions. At the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, there is the Reformers’ Choir, while the Sekondi Central Prison has the Messengers of Hope Choir, both being products of religion in those establishments. 

Even though being a member of a religious group in prison does not result in exclusive and preferential treatment of inmates, their natural quest for belongingness is served through such healthy and supportive associations. 

The Prison Ministry, as well as some churches and Islamic sects, have been consistent in their commitment towards the spiritual welfare of inmates but many more religious bodies are aloof but should come on board.  

What should be considered by these missionary entrants is the adoption and equipping of the musical groups in prison facilities. With a commitment to this cause, inmates with raw talents will be refined to realise their full potential. 

Other means of assisting these groups could be in the form of specific projects which have the prospects of making great impact on the inmates.  

If all religious bodies will hearken to the call to invest in this special “kingdom business”, many lives will be touched in the prisons with immense dividend to Ghana. 

                                                                         

The writer is an Assistant Superintendent of Prisons at the Sekondi Central Prison. Writer’s email:bisilkibaba@gmail.com

Published in Daily Graphic, 23rd August, 2016