Prison Architecture and the Well-Being of Persons in Custody - CANCELLED

• In Event: Conditions in Prisons

Abstract

Prison design and architecture have garnered interest in global literature over the last decade, and this has heightened after the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised personal and national consciousness about hygiene and the importance of ethical building designs that meet the requirements for the environmental determinants of health [EDH]. In jurisdictions like Ghana, where most of the prison facilities were inherited from the colonial administration and built to meet the needs at the time, there is an urgent need for empirical evidence on how such structures may impact the well-being of prison occupants. The study conducted in-depth interviews to collect data from 31 persons in custody and correctional officers in two historic prison facilities in Ghana. Analysis performed on the data suggested that the prison buildings have undergone little to no upgrade to meet international standards. After interpreting the data through the lens of the EDH, we suggested that the prison structures must be renovated and upgraded to allow ventilation, exercise facilities, adequate floor space, hygiene facilities, and portable drinking water. Additionally, the persons in custody and correctional officers lamented the health dangers posed by the prison building and equipment. Implications for policy and research are discussed.

Authors

• Jessica Maame Yaa Incoom, University of Ghana, Legon

• Frank Darkwa Baffour, The University of Newcastle