Escaped convict recaptured as Ashanti Prisons Service honours 20 officers
The Ghana Prisons Service has recaptured an inmate who escaped from custody while on an external labour assignment in Kumasi, with authorities now preparing additional legal action against him as investigations continue into the incident.
Adams Ibrahim, who absconded from a work detail at Sokoban on September 21, was tracked down and arrested in Atwima Twedie, his hometown, following a search operation led by the Ashanti Regional Command.
Prison authorities say Ibrahim has been returned to custody and will face a new charge for escaping from lawful custody. A Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officer has also been assigned to determine how the escape occurred.
The inmate was serving a six-month prison sentence after being convicted of stealing and failing to pay a court-imposed fine of GH¢3,600. By the time of his escape, he had already completed three months of the sentence.
According to the Prisons Service, offenders convicted of misdemeanour offences such as stealing are generally assessed as posing a lower risk to public safety, which partly informs decisions regarding participation in external labour activities.
The successful recapture prompted the Ashanti Regional Command to recognise officers involved in the operation during a ceremony at the Kumasi Central Prison on September 25.
A total of 20 officers received commendation letters and undisclosed cash rewards for their role in locating and apprehending the fugitive inmate. The group included one Corporal, 17 Lance Corporals and two Second Class Officers.
Ashanti Regional Commander, Deputy Director of Prisons James B. Mwinyelle, praised the officers for what he described as a coordinated and determined effort that led to Ibrahim’s arrest.
He said the operation demonstrated the importance of vigilance, teamwork and rapid response in addressing security incidents within the prison system.
Mr Mwinyelle urged personnel to remain committed to the Service’s values of security, safety and discipline, stressing that adherence to operational procedures remains critical in preventing and responding to breaches.
Authorities say investigations into the circumstances surrounding the escape are still ongoing.
Source: 3News
About The Author
