The Muslim Prisoner Support Project was founded in Ramadan 2024 when an organization in Ghana contacted us during the last 10 days of the fasting to mobilize food to feed hungry Muslim prisoners during iftar. Without the food, the Muslims stands the chance of not completing the remaining obligatory fast of Ramadan. As a structure that helps the underprivileged in different ways. After learning about the precarious conditions in which the prisoners live, we didn’t hesitate but to step in to help. With the community support we raised funds that purchased 1500 pounds of rice for almost 450 local prisoners in a high security prison in Cape Coats, Ghana.

Ramadan can be a source of support and mental health for inmates. It can help them maintain their faith and connect with other Muslims. Muslims in African prisons observe Ramadan by fasting, praying, and connecting with other inmates. However, the reality of observing Ramadan in prison is riddled with challenges such as exacerbated loneliness and isolation, insufficient food provisions outside of fasting hours which has an effect on health along with stigma and Islamophobic abuse. Poor nutrition in prisons can contribute to ill health and worsen the impact of serious diseases, especially for those living with HIV. Prisons have been called “breeding grounds” for disease and ill health.

In particular, prisoners in Ghana face challenges observing Ramadan, including inadequate food, restrictions on religious practices, and Islamophobic abuse. They usually don’t provide enough food outside of fasting hours, or they don’t adjust to mealtimes to accommodate fasting. The Muslim inmates live in difficult conditions due to overcrowding and the age of the facilities.

The Ramadan project aims to promote the spiritual well-being, foster rehabilitation, and encourage positive change among the Muslims in African prisons. The initiative not only addresses their immediate needs but also helps with their long-term personal development and reintegration into society. This project highlights the importance of compassion and support for incarcerated individuals, ensuring that they are not forgotten during significant religious observances. Our project not only aim to provide food during Ramadan but also:

Facilitate Regular Scholarly Visits: These visits help in to instill motivating, and educating inmates on Islamic values, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth.

Distributing Prayer Mats and Qur’ans: The project also focuses on providing essential religious items such as prayer mats and Qur’ans. This enables the inmates to engage in worship and enhance their spiritual journey.