Pastor Amoateng pays fines to free inmates at Nsawam Prison, but reports differ on how many

Pinned summary · as of 04:21

Pastor Daniel Amoateng, who leads the Power of Worship International (POWI) church, has cleared unpaid court fines so that a group of prisoners at Nsawam could walk free. He acted together with members of his congregation, and both ZionFelix and MyJoyOnline carried the story, though they name different numbers of people released.

What we know

• Working with members of his congregation, Pastor Amoateng paid off fines owed by inmates at Nsawam Prison, and their release followed.
• The pastor said his church is organising trade and skills training for those freed, so they can rebuild their lives.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

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  ZionFelix says fines were settled for 20 prisoners, while MyJoyOnline says 23 were released, so the headcount is not agreed.
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  Only MyJoyOnline reports that those released had been held for periods ranging from two to ten years, that this was the third such gesture by POWI Nation after two similar ones the year before, and that the pastor plans a fourth visit in December.
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  MyJoyOnline alone carries the pastor's remark that the gesture was driven by Christian love, and his call to the released men and women to leave behind the conduct that landed them in prison. It also reports his promise of help setting up trades and finding jobs. “Christ is all about love and when you love people, this is what you do,” he said.
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  ZionFelix alone says the media personality Serwaa Amihere and the social media personality Quecy Official were present, that each person left over a red carpet, and that each was handed a white envelope and a white shirt printed "I Am Still Alive".
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  ZionFelix alone reports that Ms Amihere commended the pastor for giving the former inmates a fresh chance, and that he said the event was meant to show them that prison did not end their lives.

Why it matters for Ghana

A fine that a person cannot pay can keep someone in prison well after sentencing, and families near Nsawam lose an earner in the meantime. If the promised training and job support materialises, those freed would have a way back into work. The case also shows faith-based groups filling a gap in help for people leaving custody.