The Ghana Prisons Service has suspended a prison officer after he was arrested for allegedly trying to bring a substance believed to be Indian hemp into the Kete-Krachi Local Prison.
The officer, No. 8566 Chief Officer Michael Osei-Bonsu, was arrested on Friday, June 19, 2026, after prison staff discovered the suspected substance during a routine security check before the night shift began.
According to the Prisons Service, officers on duty spotted and seized the suspected drug at the prison gate during the inspection.
After his arrest, Michael Osei-Bonsu was handed over to the Kete-Krachi District Police to assist with investigations.
He later appeared before the Kete-Krachi District Magistrate Court, where he was remanded into custody for two weeks.
The court adjourned the case to 8 July 2026.
The Ghana Prisons Service said the officer has been interdicted in line with its regulations pending the outcome of the criminal case and internal disciplinary processes.
In a statement, the service reaffirmed its “zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related offences and the smuggling of prohibited items into prisons”.
It added that the policy also covers other prohibited items, including mobile phones.
The Service praised the officers whose vigilance led to the discovery of the suspected substance and said it would continue to strengthen security measures in prisons across the country.
It further assured the public of its commitment to “professionalism, discipline, integrity, and security in the discharge of its duties”.
