The Golden Touch Foundation, a charitable organization, has paid fines to secure the release of two inmates from the Koforidua Prisons, enabling them to spend Christmas with their families.
The beneficiaries, Bekoe Alex, 27, and Essel David, 42, were released after the foundation settled fines imposed on them by New Abirim Circuit Court in Abirim.
Bekoe Alex was sentenced to eight months in prison for stealing four bunches of palm fruits but was unable to pay a fine of GH₵3,600.
Essel David, was sentenced to four months after failing to pay fines and compensation totaling GH₵2,720 for damaging his ex-wife’s household property during disagreement.
Essel had already served two months and two weeks of his sentence while Bekoe has served three months before the intervention.
Upon their release, the two beneficiaries were given cash for transportation back to their communities.
Expressing their gratitude, the former inmates thanked the Golden Touch Foundation, stating they had lost all hope of securing their freedom.
Florence Owusua Mensah, President of Golden Touch Foundation, explained that the initiative is part of the organization’s broader vision to assist the poor and vulnerable.
“We decided to touch the lives of these inmates by paying their fines to gain them freedom and allow them to join their families for Christmas,” she said. “Thanks to the support of our donors, we were able to release these two individuals. We call on the public to support us in raising more funds to help others who are unable to pay court fines, giving them a second chance in life and reducing congestion in our prisons.”
The foundation also donated assorted beverages and biscuits to the Koforidua Prisons.
Commendation from the Prisons Service
DSP Kwadwo Boakye, Officer In Charge of Reception at the Koforidua Prisons, commended the foundation for their intervention.
“There are many individuals languishing in prison for their inability to pay fines, some as low as GH₵1,000. This issue continues to contribute to overcrowding in the prisons,” DSP Boakye stated. He urged other organizations and churches to adopt similar initiatives, emphasizing that paying fines to free inmates is a more impactful way to support the prison system.
Future Projects
The Golden Touch Foundation also outlined upcoming charitable activities. These include visits to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to support mothers, providing sanitary pads and clothing, and other interventions targeting vulnerable groups in Prechia, a farming community in Yilo Krobo, during the New Year festivities.
The foundation’s executive members, Deborah Otubea Acheampong, Charity Narteh, and Matilda Dwria, appealed to philanthropists and benevolent individuals to assist in mobilizing resources for their projects.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
