Chef Failatu Abdul Razak, who attempted the Guinness World Records cooking marathon in Ghana few years ago, has launched a humanitarian initiative dubbed “Christmas Behind Bars” to spread love, hope and compassion to prison inmates.
The maiden edition of the initiative took place at the Tamale Central Prisons on Christmas Day. It brought together government officials, prison authorities, partners and inmates to share a festive meal and words of encouragement, reminding the inmates that they remain part of society despite their circumstances.
Speaking at the event, Chef Failatu said the initiative was inspired by the belief that kindness should not be seasonal and that vulnerable groups, including prison inmates, deserve to feel loved and remembered during festive periods.
She noted that Christmas symbolizes love, sacrifice, sharing and compassion—values that must reach everyone, including persons behind bars.
“To our dear inmates, you are not forgotten and you are not rejected by society,” she said. “Your past does not define your future. When you regain your freedom, I urge you not to return to the deeds that brought you here but to take seriously the skills and training you are receiving to build a better tomorrow.”
Chef Failatu expressed gratitude to supporters of her Guinness World Records cooking marathon, saying their encouragement and support had extended beyond that feat to her humanitarian engagements, including Christmas Behind Bars.
She commended officers and staff of the Ghana Prison Service, particularly those in Tamale, for their professionalism and dedication in reforming inmates and equipping them with employable skills.
She appealed to Ghanaians to support the reintegration of former inmates after their release, urging the public to avoid stigmatisation and rejection.
“Reintegration is a shared responsibility, and when we support former inmates, we build a safer and more compassionate society,” she said.
Chef Failatu announced that Christmas Behind Bars would become an annual event and would be rotated among prisons across the country to ensure inmates everywhere experience the love of Christmas.
She thanked all supporters, partners and her team for their contributions, saying the success of the event demonstrated the power of collective action in promoting humanity and social change.
Deputy Director of Prisons, Mr Obed Kofi Acquaye, Northern Regional Commander of the Ghana Prison Service, described Christmas as a season of love, renewal of mind, solidarity and compassion, adding that Chef Failatu had exemplified those values through the initiative.
He said the gesture would boost the morale of both inmates and prison staff and commended the organisers and partners for their support.
Mr Ali Adolf John, Northern Regional Minister, commended Chef Failatu for her kindness and compassion, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
He pledged to demonstrate similar love and generosity during the Ramadan season, noting that acts of compassion transcend religious boundaries.
Professor Seidu Alidu Mahama, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central Constituency, also commended Chef Failatu for the initiative and pledged to institutionalize it through a partnership with her.
He said the collaboration would ensure the continuity of Christmas Behind Bars every year to support inmates and promote social inclusion.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoach/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
30 December 2025
