Accra: The 1985 Association of Past Students of St. Augustine's College (APSU85) recently made a significant contribution to the Ghana Prisons Service by donating essential medical supplies valued at over GHS200,000. The donation, which took place on Thursday, September 4, is part of APSU85's 40th anniversary celebrations, demonstrating their commitment to community service and national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, the donated items included 14,500 packets of cholesterol reduction drugs for cardiovascular health, 11,000 packets of diabetes medication, and 600 packets of ulcer medication. Mr. Robert Orraca-Tetteh, National Organiser of APSU, emphasized the Association's commitment to supporting state institutions and improving the livelihoods of both inmates and staff within the Service. He highlighted the significance of the medical package in addressing common health challenges at prison facilities, particularly at the national headquarters.
Prince Samuel Mensah, Organiser of APSU85, noted that their commemorative efforts are strategically focused on community service and social impact. He highlighted the role of alumni organizations in leveraging milestone celebrations to benefit society at large.
Mr. Samuel Akolbire, Director of Prisons in Charge of Administration, acknowledged the importance of medical care for the Service, mentioning their 'Think Prisons 360 degrees' initiative aimed at improving inmate and officer welfare. He lauded APSU85 for being the first organization to support their 'Drug Bank' initiative, which aims to ensure adequate medication availability and enhance infirmary services.
Deputy Superintendent of Prisons (DSP) Hannah Sefah-Sakyiwaa, a pharmacist at the Ghana Prisons Service, expressed gratitude to the donors. She emphasized the critical importance of the medical supplies in improving the healthcare of inmates and the overall wellbeing within Ghana's correctional facilities. She expressed confidence that the medications would enable prison medical staff to deliver more comprehensive care and help prevent serious health complications among the incarcerated population.
Members of APSU85 present during the donation included Prince Samuel Mensah, Michael Kokroe, Joseph Quansah, Kojo Amoah, Dr. Kenneth Osei Owusu, Dr. Patrick Ansah, and Nii Rak Mensah.