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Inmates of the Tamale Central Prisons have revolted against prison officials for the daily feeding ration of 60Gp for them, describing it as inadequate. As a result, most of them have gone on a hunger strike to register their displeasure over the meager feeding grants that have impacted negatively on the quality of food they eat. Authorities of the prison say due to the continuous increase in the prices of foodstuffs, the quality and quantity of meals served inmates keep reducing on a regular basis, adding that the non-payment of debts owed food suppliers had accounted for this. Chief Superintendent of Prisons and Acting Northern Regional Director of Prisons, Samuel Y. Tannor, who disclosed this to the Northern Regional Minister, Stephen Sumani Nayina, during a familiarization visit to the Tamale Central Prisons, said the inadequate feeding rate and lack of access to quality healthcare and overcrowding were among the numerous challenges confronting the Service in the region. He said suppliers of foodstuffs were not paid in time and to ensure that they never run at a loss, they increase prices of food items to the disadvantage of the prisoners. To avert incurring the wrath of prisoners who are already on rampage, he appealed to government to consider increasing the feeding ration of the prisoners to sustain them while they served their terms. Giving a brief background of the stations in the region, Supt Tannor disclosed there are about four stations in the entire region with the Tamale Station as the biggest. He mentioned Yendi, Salaga and Gambaga as the subordinate stations that have both male and female inmates of about 504. The Tamale Central Prisons has in custody 241 male inmates, 10 female inmates; while has Yendi 164, Salaga, 57 and Gambaga, 32. Out of this number, 132 are on remand while 372 are convicts under the supervision of 349 officers made up of 29 superior officers and 320 subordinate officers. The Acting Director disclosed that the Service recorded three escapes last year and one this year in Tamale, Salaga and Yendi, adding that inmates are pursuing various courses in the PSI-DL while others are being trained on large-scale farming. Though he was worried that staff accommodation in the region was woefully inadequate compelling about � of the staff to stay outside the barracks, he appealed for more staff strength to man the region effectively. Mr. Nayina promised to forward their grievances to the government, and expressed hope that the situation would be addressed soon. Interacting with the inmates later, he urged them not to be disheartened over the state of affairs in the prisons, saying God has a purpose for letting them be there. He encouraged them to live upright lives since this was not the end of the road for them, indicating that it was a transition and they would surely come out one day. A physically-challenged guitarist inmate, Christopher, treated the Minister and his entourage to a solemn music entitled �God Knows Why�. Tears could be seen on the faces of some of the visitors as the guitarist preached through his music that God really has a purpose for keeping them there. The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Moses Mabengba, who could hardly hide his feelings over the lyrics of the song, jumped in appreciation as Christopher sang and played the last verse of his soul-inspiring song.