The Ghana Prisons Service has denied reports that five inmates at Nsawam Prison were moved to different cells following an alleged plot to poison convicted former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The denial follows claims by Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, an aide to Wontumi, that the inmates had been relocated after allegedly discussing plans to poison the politician.
Speaking to Myjoyonline, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Prisons Service, CSP Abdul Latif, said he could not confirm the reported transfer of the inmates.
“No, I cannot confirm that,” he said when asked about the alleged relocation.
Mr Latif, however, confirmed that the Service had launched investigations into the alleged poisoning plot after Wontumi’s spokesperson brought the matter to the attention of prison authorities.
“It’s something that the spokesperson of Wontumi drew the attention of the Prison authorities to. But let me repeat that, it’s not a complaint coming from Wontumi himself directly to the Prison authorities. It’s something that the PRO has said,” he explained.
He said investigations had been initiated to establish the facts and determine the appropriate action if the allegation proved credible.
“By that, we have also set up investigations to launch investigations into the matter, to find out first and foremost the truth in that matter. And if it has any truth, then we will know the steps to take to avoid that,” he added.
Mr Latif described reports of inmates attempting to poison fellow prisoners or prison officers as uncommon but said the Service was treating the allegation seriously.
“Let me state on record that I can’t even remember the last time we reported such an incident of inmates trying to poison fellow inmates or even officers,” he said.
He added that the claim had surprised prison authorities, but investigations were necessary to ensure the safety of inmates and officers.
Despite the allegation, Mr Latif assured the public that Wontumi remained safe in custody.
Dr Boakye-Danquah had earlier told Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem that five inmates were moved to another cell after someone allegedly overheard them discussing a plan to poison Wontumi.
According to the aide, the individual alerted Wontumi, who later informed him of the alleged threat during a conversation following a court appearance on Tuesday, October 27.
Dr Boakye-Danquah said he subsequently contacted the officer in charge of the prison, who confirmed that investigations were underway and a committee had been established to probe the matter.
