Assessment of illumination levels of prison accommodation in Ghana:A case study of Nsawam and Koforidua Prisons

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 xv 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