“Prisons Menu In Conformity With NaNA’s Recommendation”

Mr. Ousman Sonko, the Minister of Interior on Tuesday 8th September 2009, told deputies at the National Assembly that the menus at the various prisons in the country are in conformity with the recommendations of the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA).
This statement by the Minister was in response to a question posed by Hon. Momodou Lamin K. Sanneh, the Minority Leader and Member for Kiang West as to whether there exists any group which is given the responsibility of monitoring activities in the prisons, especially the health nutrition aspect of the prisoners.
According to Minister Sonko, the ration at the prisons is properly prepared and closely supervised to ensure that a balanced diet is always served and on time.
“As regards prisoners’ menu, this is in conformity with the recommendation of the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA). The daily diet is properly prepared and closely supervised to ensure that a balanced diet is always served and on time”, he stated.
On health Interior Minister Sonko said an experienced medical practitioner is assigned to the prisons that often visits and treats inmates.
“Those who need further treatment are always referred to the appropriate hospitals”, Minister Sonko told deputies.
He also told deputies that the prisons visiting committee is responsible for the monitoring of the activities of that institutions. This, he went on, comprises a former prisons officer, a member of the National Assembly, the Director-General of Prisons, a member of the Supreme Islamic Council and a Probation Officer from the Department of Social Welfare.
“The mandate of the committee is to look into the welfare as well as the day-to-day conditions of prisoners throughout their jail terms”, he concluded.