Between Theory and Practice: Assessing Prisoners’ Rights and Human Dignity at Winneba Local Prison, Ghana
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Prisoners' rights; human dignity; Ghana prison service; Lockean human rights theory; correctional reform.##article.abstract##
This study examined the state of prisoners' rights and human dignity at Winneba Local Prison in Ghana, revealing significant disparities between international human rights standards and actual prison conditions. Using qualitative interviews with prison officers, inmates and other stakeholders, the study identified critical challenges, including severe overcrowding, inadequate access to legal representation, substandard healthcare and psychological barriers to reform. Grounded in Lockean Human Rights Theory, the findings demonstrate systemic failures in upholding fundamental rights, including human dignity, adequate living conditions and access to justice. The study contributes to understanding prison conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. It offers recommendations for policy reform, including infrastructure investment, enhanced legal aid services, human rights training and mental health support programs. These findings have implications for Ghana's compliance with international human rights obligations and the broader discourse on correctional reform in developing nations.
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