Accra: In a shocking revelation about the state of correctional facilities in Ghana, former drug convict and IT professional Kweku Gardiner has detailed how loose security, corruption, and financial influence allowed him to operate cyber fraud schemes while serving time behind bars. Speaking during an interview on Atinka TV, the ex-convict explained that inmates ran illegal operations with the active involvement and facilitation of prison officers who compromised security protocols for monetary gains.
According to Ghana Web, Gardiner disclosed, "I had access to a phone and was into fraud. Not any business. Fraud. It was a cheap cellular fraud... We just go online, grab a client, and work on them till you get their money." He alleged that prison officers routinely provided prisoners access to technology in exchange for cash bribes, further stating, "We had an IT lab in the prison. The prison officers were in on it, just settle them with some cash and they would give you access to the computers."
Gardiner continued to explain the systemic corruption, mentioning, "There was an officer, if you give him money to purchase a phone, he would get one for you at a fee." This revelation highlights how security within the prisons has become increasingly compromised due to financial favors.
The ex-convict also highlighted a stark inequality in how inmates are treated based on their status and wealth, noting that politicians and high-profile individuals convicted of corruption do not experience the harsh realities of ordinary prison cells. "If you have money, you can live good in prison. Those individuals and politicians who get jailed for corruption charges, when they come, they get preferential treatment. They are not brought to the ordinary cells. They are usually taken to the infirmary cells, which are more comfortable," Gardiner said.
Having battled a 19-year drug addiction before turning to armed robbery and fraud, Gardiner cautioned young people against crime and quick riches, warning that the temporary comforts of illegal activities ultimately lead to destruction.