The Official Launch of the Prison Outreach took place at the Upper Buchanan Prison compound, bringing together key figures including Cllr. Joe Barkon, Judge of the 2nd Judiciary Circuit of Grand Bassa County, County Attorney Paul P. Jarvan, Buchanan City Mayor Hon. George Gayebueh, Beesaymah Zone Leader Madam Gemama Peters, the prison superintendent, and several inmates. It took place on March 20, 2025

The event aimed to address the challenges surrounding the rule of law, with a particular focus on the prison conditions in Grand Bassa County. It sought to find solutions to these pressing issues through collaboration.

In his remarks, K. M. Barley Togba the National Program Coordinator shared that the need for such an initiative has been on his mind since 2016. He noted that while GRASS had engaged in advocacy work in the county, it had not fully participated in addressing some of these human-driven issues due to other priorities. Barley further explained that GRASS had worked alongside Rescue Mission, led by Pastor Olivia C. Weah, to address the health concerns faced by the inmates. He expressed gratitude that his organization now had the necessary permits to continue its work, driven by two Biblical verses from St. Matthew 25:36 and Proverbs 31:8-9.

Barley emphasized that moving forward, GRASS would advocate for the inclusion of prison-related issues, including the welfare of inmates and prison workers, in the county’s budget. Additionally, they would work with the Ministry of Justice to increase the budget for prison activities and prioritize support for pre-trial detainees. He also highlighted plans to provide spiritual and emotional support to inmates through Truth Radio Broadcast.

He concluded by stressing that prison is a place where both the good and the bad meet, and being incarcerated should not equate to a death sentence. He called for the county to take responsibility for the welfare of its incarcerated individuals, citing examples of Joseph from the Bible and former Chief Justice Gloria M. Scoot, both of whom experienced life in prison. Barley urged those in positions of power to be mindful of how they treat others, especially those who are incarcerated.

Two inmates also shared their concerns about the appalling conditions at the facility, highlighting overcrowding, inadequate food and water, poor health conditions, and the absence of skill training programs.

Deputy and Acting Prison Superintendent Captain. Charity A. Mingle provided a historical overview of the prison, explaining that the facility was originally constructed by the Germans as a warehouse. It was handed over to the Liberian government in 1964 and converted into a prison in 1965. At that time, it housed 47 inmates at full capacity; today, it holds approximately 152 inmates. Due to overcrowding, Captain Mingle noted that the prison authorities are essentially managing “three prison facilities in one.”

The legal community and the city mayor praised GRASS for its foresight and commitment to working for the betterment of humanity, promising their support for GRASS’s ongoing efforts in prison reform.