Dire Consequence in Assessing the Inhuman Treatment of Prisoners to Promote Human Rights at Awutu Camp Prison in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose: In our contemporary society, the recognition of human rights stands as a crucial and paramount phenomenon. Undoubtedly, every individual inherently deserves certain rights and freedoms, which are universally acknowledged by governments, activists, and corporate organizations alike. However, regardless of the other reasons society locks up its criminals, rehabilitating them and bringing them back to normal society has always been the expectation, if not the implicit goal. With the hindsight of the circumstances of prisoners in Ghana, this study brought to light the dire consequences in assessing the inhuman treatment of prisoners to promote human rights at Awutu Camp Prison in Ghana.

Methodology: The study relied on constructive philosophy using a qualitative approach to investigate Human Rights Compliance at the prisons. The study used a purposive non-probability sampling strategy to identify nineteen (19) prison officers and inmates to subject them to interviews.

Findings: The study concluded that the prisoners’ rights regarding accommodation, humanely hygienic conditions, access to healthcare, torture, and skill training or reformation are violated according to the UDHR. The study recommends that the GHC 1.80p cost of meal per prisoner should be reviewed to meet the UDHR. Also, the accommodation and sanitary conditions of inmates should be improved to meet the humane treatment of inmates. Additionally, inmates should be engaged with education and training that could instill trade in them.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that prison officers and inmates should be educated on their human rights as indicated by the UDHR and Human Rights document. Finally, this study should be replicated in other jurisdictions to ascertain equity.