In a recent development, two prison wardens have been handed over to the police for criminal investigations following the escape of a Chinese inmate, Wang Xiao, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. This action comes after their interdiction by the Prisons Administration for further investigation.
Wang Xiao, 39, was under the care of the two wardens (whose names have been withheld) during a dental check at the hospital when he managed to escape. According to the Head of Public Relations at the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS), Superintendent of Prisons Adamu Latif Abdul, the interdicted wardens have been transferred to the police for criminal investigations.
It was reported that Xiao, serving a one-year jail term at the Nsawam Medium Prisons for theft, required medical attention at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for dental services. However, during his visit to the hospital accompanied by the two wardens, it was noted that he was without restraints and not in his usual inmate attire.
A press release from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital confirmed that Xiao visited the Dental Clinic accompanied by the prison wardens. It was observed that he was not restrained and even paid a fee for the medical services as a non-Ghanaian. Following the examination and X-ray, Xiao was scheduled to return for further treatment on February 9, 2024, as he did not have sufficient funds for immediate care.
The inmate left the hospital in the company of the two prison wardens and has not been seen since. The hospital's statement debunked reports that Xiao escaped while receiving care at the facility.
This incident raises concerns about security protocols and procedures, and it is essential for a thorough investigation to be conducted to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The collaboration between the Prisons Administration and the police is crucial in ensuring accountability and addressing any lapses that may have led to this unfortunate event.
As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative for all relevant stakeholders to work together towards enhancing security measures and upholding the integrity of our correctional facilities. The safety of both inmates and the public must remain a top priority, and measures should be put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
-source ghanaiantimes | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
