Ahmadiyya lawyers’ group AMLAG secures freedom for six in Navrongo prison, Ghana

Navrongo, Ghana: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Lawyers Association of Ghana (AMLAG) recently undertook a significant humanitarian initiative at the Navrongo Central Prisons in the Upper East Region, leading to the liberation of six inmates. These individuals, convicted for various offenses earlier in 2023, were unable to pay the fines imposed by the court, ranging from GH₵3,000.00 (US$ 250) to GH₵6,000.00 (US$ 500), resulting in their continued incarceration.

AMLAG, a group of legal professionals from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community dedicated to human and civil rights, identified these six inmates through the prison service and paid their fines as part of their Humanitarian Service Project. The project reflects AMLAG’s broader mission of offering humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable in society. The inmates were selected based on their good behavior and remorsefulness.

Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, President of AMLAG, highlighted the significance of the project, stating that it was not only a service to humanity but also a contribution towards the reformation of these individuals, enabling them to play a meaningful role in nation-building. He emphasized that the court’s option of a fine indicated a belief in the potential positive contribution of these individuals to society.

In addition to the financial assistance, AMLAG donated food items and money to the prison to support the upkeep of other inmates, according to ModernGhana.com. This act is part of their broader efforts to work with various stakeholders, particularly within the legal system, to advance society and improve the conditions of inmates.

The initiative, described as a “Prison Pilot Project,” marks a significant expansion of AMLAG’s responsibilities beyond legal representation. It aims to intervene within prison facilities to either improve conditions or ensure the freedom of individuals who can be freed.

Assistant Deputy Director of Prisons, Yakubu Ibrahim Abugrago, expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting its potential to reduce overcrowding in prisons and assist in the reintegration of the freed individuals into society.

The parents of the inmates expressed profound gratitude for the intervention, considering it a major relief for their families. They committed to supporting the reformation of their kin at home. The freed inmates, overwhelmed with joy, thanked AMLAG and promised to reform and engage positively in their communities.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, renowned for its extensive humanitarian and welfare activities worldwide, once again demonstrates its commitment to societal upliftment and spiritual rejuvenation. As reported by The Eastern Herald, the community is set to hold its annual convention, Jalsa Salana Qadian, from December 29-31, 2023. This significant event, taking place in the small but spiritually significant town of Qadian in Punjab, India, draws thousands of Ahmadi Muslims from across the globe. It serves as a platform for attendees to deepen their faith, renew their spirituality, and strengthen communal bonds. Jalsa Salana Qadian is a reflection of the community’s enduring dedication to promoting peace, religious harmony, and spiritual enlightenment, mirroring its broader humanitarian ethos exemplified in initiatives like the recent liberation of inmates in Navrongo Prison by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Lawyers Association of Ghana (AMLAG).