President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Deputy Director-General of Prisons (Finance & Administration), Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (ESQ.), as the new Director-General of Prisons. The announcement, made on March 14, 2025, marks a historic moment as she becomes the second female Director-General of Prisons and the first woman to rise through the ranks to attain this prestigious position.
She succeeds Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir, who was appointed on October 28, 2021, by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Table of Contents
Career and Leadership Experience
DGP Patience Baffoe-Bonnie is a highly experienced corrections and security expert with over 37 years of service in the Ghana Prisons Service. She has held numerous leadership roles and has been instrumental in driving prison reforms, staff welfare improvements, and operational efficiency.
Key Positions Held:
- 1987: Joined the Ghana Prisons Service as a recruit with an Advanced Level Certificate.
- 1994: Joined the Senior Officer Corps after obtaining her first degree and completing Cadet Training.
- 2015 – 2025: Served in various leadership roles, including:
- Director of Prison Health, Technical & Services
- Director of Services
- Director of Operations
- Deputy Director-General (Finance & Administration)
Achievements and Contributions
DGP Baffoe-Bonnie has led several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing the prison system, inmate rehabilitation, and staff welfare:
Prison Reforms & Legal Contributions
- Chief Legal Officer: Oversaw the review of the Prison Service and Parole Bills and helped pass key regulations.
- Played a major role in harmonizing allowances, developing policies, and enforcing discipline.
- Led reforms to enhance prison security, public safety, and inter-agency collaboration.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
- Successfully advocated for medical supplies and support from international organizations and the Ghanaian judiciary.
- Implemented health policies that helped Ghana Prisons maintain a zero-death record during the pandemic.
- Negotiated a temporary ban on direct remand to prisons, securing designated reception facilities for new inmates.
Transforming Prison Facilities & Inmate Rehabilitation
- Transformed James Camp Prisons into a model rehabilitation center focused on Reformation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration.
- Introduced year-round organic farming to reduce post-harvest losses and improve self-sufficiency.
- Established skills training and creative arts programs to help inmates reintegrate into society.
Education & Professional Training
DGP Patience Baffoe-Bonnie has a strong academic and professional background, which has contributed to her exceptional leadership:
- Barrister-at-Law (BL) and Qualifying Certificate – Ghana School of Law.
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Social Work – University of Ghana, Legon.
- Alumni of Tema Secondary, Winneba Secondary, and Nsawam Nana Osae Djan Experimental Primary School.
- Attended international training programs in the UK, specializing in criminal law, corporate governance, strategic leadership, and workforce planning.
- Served as a United Nations Mission advisor in Liberia.
Awards & Recognition
DGP Baffoe-Bonnie has received numerous awards for her outstanding service, including:
- Female Pillar of Modern Public Service Award.
- HD LeadHERS Xperience Award (Exceptional Award for Women in Leadership, 2023).
- Ghana Women’s Award (Outstanding Female Prisons Officer, 2013).
Vision for the Ghana Prisons Service
As the new Director-General of Prisons, DGP Patience Baffoe-Bonnie is committed to:
- Modernizing Ghana’s correctional system.
- Enhancing prison security and staff welfare.
- Expanding agriculture and creative arts programs for inmate rehabilitation.
- Improving reformation and reintegration programs to reduce recidivism.
- Promoting gender inclusivity and professional development within the service.
Personal Life & Interests
Beyond her professional life, she enjoys painting, basketball, cooking, dancing, traveling, and mentoring young people. She is married with children.
Conclusion
DGP Patience Baffoe-Bonnie brings unparalleled experience, innovation, and leadership to the Ghana Prisons Service. With her strategic vision and commitment to transformation, she is set to redefine the role of the prison system in national security, rehabilitation, and economic development.
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