The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has made a significant donation of sports equipment to the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison.

This effort is part of the second phase of the GFA Foundation-Ghana Prisons Project, which aims to support the rehabilitation, well-being, and reintegration of inmates through sports.

The donation included footballs, basketball hoops, jerseys, and other athletic gear, designed to promote physical and mental health among prisoners.

The initiative aligns with the UNODC’s “Nelson Mandela Rules” project, which seeks to improve conditions in prisons worldwide.

Speaking at the event, GFA Foundation Director Malcolm Frazier Appeadu urged the prison to fully utilize the equipment for the benefit of the inmates.

Deputy Director of Prisons, Alfred Codjoe, expressed appreciation, emphasizing the positive impact that sports can have on prisoners, particularly those serving long-term sentences.

As part of the presentation, an exhibition football match took place between inmates and prison officers, ending in a 0-0 draw.

Former Black Stars player Emmanuel Agyeman Badu, who was the special guest of the day, spent time interacting with the inmates.

He spoke about the importance of reducing stigma against former prisoners and promised to return with other former players for future activities.

This donation continues the GFA's commitment to prison reform, following similar contributions to six other facilities, including the Nsawam Medium Security and Winneba Local Prisons.