“You have not been forgotten, society still cares” – Ernest Chemists Ltd to Prison Inmates

Ernest Chemists Ltd has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities by donating medicines and essential health supplies to the Ghana Prisons Service, with a message of hope to inmates that they have not been abandoned by society.

The presentation, held at the headquarters of the Ghana Prisons Service on Friday, formed part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery within correctional facilities across the country.

Speaking at the event, Emmanuel Adu, Head of Commercial at Ernest Chemists Ltd, said the donation was aimed at demonstrating that healthcare is a right and not a privilege.

According to him, the company responded to a request from the Prisons Service by supplying vitamins and essential medicines, including blood tonics, antibiotics, infusions, liver support medication, and symptomatic drugs to support the health needs of inmates and officers.

He noted that this was not the first time Ernest Chemists Ltd had extended support to the Service, recalling that two years ago the company donated anti-malaria products to assist in the treatment of tropical diseases, which remain prevalent in some prison communities.

Emmanuel Adu stressed that the company believes access to healthcare plays a major role in rehabilitation and reform, adding that healthy inmates are better positioned for personal transformation.

“These medicines will help boost immunity, support recovery, and improve daily living conditions. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, and a healthy mind can aid rehabilitation,” he stated.

He added that the gesture was more than a donation, saying it was a message to inmates that they had not been forgotten and that society still cared about their well-being.

He commended officers, medical staff, and management of the Ghana Prisons Service for their dedication and urged stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and citizens to build a healthier correctional system.

Also speaking at the event, the Greater Accra Regional Commander and Commanding Officer at the Ghana Prisons Service Headquarters, Edward Ashun (DDP), called for stronger partnerships to improve healthcare delivery within prison facilities nationwide.

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of Prisons, Mrs. Patience Baffour-Bonnie, he said donations of medicines and medical supplies had already made a significant impact on the health and well-being of inmates.

According to him, such support continues to enhance healthcare services and contributes to better health outcomes across the prisons.

Edward Ashun explained that improving healthcare in correctional facilities forms part of broader prison reform efforts aimed at ensuring humane conditions and better welfare for inmates.

He described quality healthcare as a key pillar in the transformation agenda of the Ghana Prisons Service.

He further assured stakeholders that the Prison Medicine Equipment Fund was not a one-off intervention but had been structured to ensure continuity, transparency, and accountability.

The Regional Commander expressed gratitude to all organizations and individuals who have contributed so far and appealed to pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, corporate institutions, and faith-based bodies to support the initiative.

According to him, with collective effort and shared responsibility, prison communities can receive the healthcare services they deserve.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith