Abstract:
Globally, prisons serve as penitentiary institutions for persons who are convicted of
crimes. As reformation centres, prisons are expected to provide, if not the best but at
least basic comfort conditions for the inmates. Illumination of prisons is an
important aspect in the design of prisons. Sadly, illumination levels of prisons,
particularly those of developing countries like Ghana are abysmally poor. The aim
of the study was to explore illumination levels of prison accommodation in Ghana
and make recommendations for enhancing the illumination of the prisons. The
specific objectives of the study included; to assess existing levels of illumination of
prison accommodation in Ghana, to compare existing illumination levels of prison
accommodation in Ghana with established standards of illumination of prisons, to
determine strategies for improving the illumination of prison accommodation in
Ghana, and to make recommendations for enhancing the illumination of prison
accommodation in Ghana. Qualitative and experimental research methods were used
to elicit information for the study. Sixty (60) participants from both Koforidua
Prison and Nsawam Medium-Security were interviewed. A photometer was used to
measure the luminance of the cubicles of the prisons for fourteen (14) days in the
mornings and afternoons of the days considered. The findings of the study revealed
that existing illumination levels in medium security prison accommodations in
Ghana are poor (Day light factors are in the region of below 0.878%). Also, the
prevailing illumination levels of the prisons fall below established standards of
illumination of prison accommodation of 1.5%. The findings of the study revealed
that the key strategies that could be implemented to improve illumination levels of
the prison accommodations studied included; taking into consideration the
orientation of prison accommodation in its design, providing an open court yard,
University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh
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using translucent walling and ceiling technologies, and providing adequate artificial
lighting of prison accommodation. In conclusion it has been established that
Ghanaian prison cells has Day Light Factor (DF) below 0.9% less than 1.5% which
is the World standard DF of a prison cell. Based on the stated findings and
conclusion, the study recommends that all stakeholders especially the Government
and Non-Government organizations should provide adequate resources to improve
the illumination of prison accommodations
Description:
This Dissertation is submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, University of
Education, Winneba-Kumasi, Department of Construction and Wood
Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirement for Award of the Master of
Philosophy Degree in Construction Technology
