By Rancy Clarke, Bong County Correspondent
The presiding judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga, Joe Barkon, has raised alarm over the overcrowding and poor conditions of facilities at the Gbarnga Central Prison.
Delivering his charge at the August Term of Court on Monday, Judge Barkon stated that the facility, which was built to accommodate about 130 inmates, is now holding approximately 440 people.
According to him, the overcrowding is placing additional pressure on the prison’s already limited facilities and creating specious challenges for the welfare of inmates.
Jude Barkon called on the Ministry of Justice and the Bong County Legislative Caucus to urgently intervene by addressing the shortage of space and providing other basic facilities needed to accommodate inmates.
Judge Barkon has urged authorities to take the situation seriously and take concrete steps to improve conditions at the prison.
Meanwhile, Bong County Senator Prince Kermue Moye has vowed to work with relevant authorities to find an amicable solution to the congestion and sanitation challenges facing the prison.
