The pioneer Northwest Delegate for Penitentiary Administration, Francis Musi Mac Tata, has identified dilapidated structures and insufficient and ageing personnel as some of the hurdles faced by the Penitentiary service in the Northwest

He also cited continuous encroachment into prison land by individuals as a problem plaguing his service.Tata spoke to The Post in Kumbo on Monday, May 12, at the epaulet award ceremony of one Edwin Bife Munchasi at the Kumbo Principal Prison.

Besides the plethora of problems his Delegation is facing, he, however, expressed optimism that the problem of personnel may soon be resolved as government has launched the recruitment and training of 4500 warders in various categories in the next three years.

Quizzed on rumours that government intended to call back some retired warders as short term solution on the personnel shortage, the delegate said it was normal for military and para-military personnel to be called back to service when need arises even after retirement.

He, however, declined to state how many will be sent to his Province. He said his greatest wish would be to see the Fundong prison go functional.Speaking after the epaulet award Kumbo Principal Prison Superintendent, James Nkongho, said the service had eight warders promoted to higher grades.

He said while six others will be going to the training centre in Buea for refresher courses Edwin Munchasi, who was promoted to Senior Prison Warder, was the lone personnel to have his epaulet awarded without further training.

Nkongho called on the laureate to learn from his superiors and pleaded with senior colleagues to accommodate him.Despite the over 100 inmates at the Kumbo Principal Prison, The Post learnt that the service has a staff strength of only 22.

The Senior Divisional Officer for Bui, Daniel Panjuono presided over the occasion. Also present at the occasion were Bui Senior State Counsel, Au respectively.