Accra, Sept 4 – The 1985 Association of Past Students of St Augustine’s College (APSU ’85) on Thursday, September 4, donated essential medical supplies valued at over GHS200,000 to the Ghana Prisons Service.The donation included 14,500 packets of cholesterol-reducing drugs to tackle cardiovascular health concerns, 11,000 packets of diabetes medication, and 600 packets of ulcer treatment medications and others.
This philanthropic gesture forms part of the Group’s 40th anniversary celebrations and reflects their commitment to community service and national development.Mr Robert Orraca-Tetteh, National Organiser of APSU, said the Association is dedicated to supporting state institutions and contributing meaningfully to improving livelihoods, including those of inmates and staff of the Prisons Service.
He explained that the medical package was carefully selected to address common health challenges in prison facilities, particularly at the national headquarters, and pledged to strengthen collaboration between APSU and the Service.Prince Samuel Mensah, Organiser of APSU ’85, noted that the year group’s anniversary activities have been deliberately structured around community service and social impact, demonstrating how alumni associations can leverage milestone celebrations for the wider good of society.
Mr Samuel Akolbire, Director of Prisons in charge of Administration, described the donation as “timely,” noting that access to medical care remains a priority for the Service under its “Think Prisons 360 Degrees” agenda, which aims to enhance the welfare of inmates and officers.
He commended APSU ’85 for being the first organisation to support the Service’s “Drug Bank” initiative, which seeks to ensure the adequate availability of medicines and improve infirmary services.
“The donation will help advance the cause we have started to promote the wellbeing of inmates,” he said, encouraging APSU and other year groups of St Augustine’s College to extend further support.
Deputy Superintendent of Prisons (DSP) Hannah Sefah-Sakyiwaa, Pharmacist at the Ghana Prisons Service, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Service, stressing the critical importance of the medicines to their operations.
She was confident the supplies would make a significant positive impact on inmate healthcare and overall wellbeing within the correctional facilities.
“By providing essential medications for chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, this contribution will enable prison medical staff to deliver more comprehensive care and help prevent serious health complications among the incarcerated population,” she said.
Members of APSU ’85 present at the ceremony included Prince Samuel Mensah, Michael Kokroe, Joseph Quansah, Kojo Amoah, Dr Kenneth Osei Owusu, Dr Patrick Ansah, and Nii Rak Mensah.
