Joana Gyan Leads Football Legends, Celebrities, Partners On Emotional Outreach To Nsawam Prison

Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has described a humanitarian outreach to Nsawam Prison as one of the most emotional, painful, humbling and meaningful experiences of her life.

The outreach, organised through the KN Foundation in collaboration with the Joana Gyan Foundation, the Professional Football Association of Ghana and the Ghana Football Association, brought together former Black Stars legends, football administrators, musicians, actors, investors, business leaders, media personalities and other dignitaries in a united effort to support inmates at the correctional facility.

According to the lawmaker, the delegation departed Accra at exactly 8:00 a.m. on Thursday for what she described as a mission centred on hope, compassion, unity and humanity rather than politics, football, entertainment or publicity.

She explained that the outreach aimed at reminding inmates that they are still valued members of society deserving of dignity, support and encouragement despite their present circumstances.

“Our mission was about touching lives and showing love to people many have forgotten,” she stated. “Some inmates are waiting for justice, while others simply need guidance, support and people willing to listen to them.”

The delegation, estimated at between 150 and 170 persons, included former Black Stars players, football supporters, sponsors, media houses, invited guests and senior dignitaries from different sectors of Ghanaian society.

Joana Gyan said the visit marked her first experience inside a prison facility, admitting that the emotional impact of what she witnessed left her in tears for most of the day.

“It was painful, heartbreaking and deeply inspiring at the same time,” she said. “Many people in prison are not necessarily hardened criminals. Some lacked legal representation, some lacked opportunities and support, while others made poor decisions in difficult moments.”

She maintained that while justice must prevail for criminal acts, society must also recognise the humanity of those behind bars and support rehabilitation efforts that give inmates another opportunity in life.

The MP recounted emotional moments during the visit when inmates openly wept, prayed and expressed gratitude to the delegation for showing them compassion and solidarity.

“Many of them told me, ‘Honourable Joana Gyan Cudjoe, MP for Amenfi Central, you have done well.’ Those words touched my heart deeply,” she added.

She particularly acknowledged the role played by former President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi, whose leadership and coordination she said contributed significantly to the success of the outreach.

Special commendation was also extended to Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association and Second Vice President of CAF, for his support and presence throughout the exercise.

Joana Gyan described the collaboration between former and current football administrators as a symbol of unity, peace and national development.

Among dignitaries and personalities present at the outreach were Managing Director of Swiss Wealth Solutions, Mr. Stefan Kung; Member of Parliament for New Edubiase, Hon. Adams Abdul Salaam; former Member of Parliament for Gomoa East, Hon. Kojo Asemanyi; football legends Abedi Ayew Pele and Samuel Osei Kuffour; General Secretary of PFAG, Anthony Baffoe; Treasurer of PFAG, Mr. Solomon Torson; President of New Edubiase United, Mr. Yakubu Abdul Salaam; former Presidential Staffer, Mr. Charles Bissue; legal practitioner and former Education Ministry spokesperson, Lawyer Kwasi Kwarteng; Lawyer Salahudeen Saeed; financial consultant Mr. Sam Williams; and Principal of Oasis International School, Mr. Theodore Dowuona-Hyde.

The lawmaker also expressed gratitude to Ghanaian entertainers and celebrities, including Dr Cryme and Patapaa, for using their platforms to promote hope, unity and compassion.

Media organisations, journalists, bloggers, photographers, videographers and content creators who covered the event were equally commended for amplifying the humanitarian message behind the outreach.

Joana Gyan further praised prison officers and the leadership of Nsawam Prison for their professionalism and dedication despite difficult working conditions.

The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Nsawam Palace, where they were received by traditional rulers, chiefs and community leaders.

Items donated during the outreach included rice, fish, drinking water, football jerseys, footballs, tracksuits and undisclosed cash support for humanitarian purposes.

She acknowledged the contributions of supporting organisations and sponsors including KN Foundation, PFAG, GFA, Joana Gyan Foundation, Swiss Wealth Solutions, Golden Empire Legacy Limited, Goldpath Developers, NHIS, Oasis International School, Tema Steel Company Limited, Yes My Lord Company Limited, JDK Travel and Tours Limited, BuySimConnect and Ahmed Kwabena Nkrumah.

Addressing Ghanaian youths, the MP urged young people not to take their freedom for granted and warned against violence, crime and uncontrolled emotions capable of destroying their future.

“Control your anger. Control your emotions. Value emotional intelligence. Avoid violence and crime because prison is not a joke. Freedom is a blessing,” she advised.

Quoting Matthew 25:36, she stressed that society must never abandon vulnerable people or deny anyone compassion, encouragement and hope.

“Nobody should ever be forgotten. Every soul matters. Every life deserves dignity, encouragement and another chance,” she stated.

She concluded by thanking all supporters, partners, volunteers and Ghanaians who contributed to the success of what she described as a historic and unforgettable humanitarian mission at Nsawam Prison.