Hospitalised inmate in tears, as Isha Johansen secures his release from prison

Freetown | 3rd June 2024 | Vertex Media

FIFA Council Member Madam Isha Johansen, through her Fashion For Change and Football For Reform programs, has secured the release of a hospitalised inmate Alimamy Sankoh from the Male Correctional Centre (Pa Demba Road Prison) in Freetown, by paying his Le 5,000 fine. Johansen also supported the boy with a start-up token of Le 2,000 as he walks out of prison.

Alimamy was charged and sentenced to a 5-year jail term or to pay a fine of Le 5,000 for larceny offence.

21-year-old Alimamy Sankoh from Kailahun was bound to take his WASSCE examination when he was arrested and charged to court 7 months ago for larceny. According to him, someone’s phone was missing from the place he was cohabiting. He was arrested, charged, transferred to Freetown from Kailahun, and sentenced to either serve a 5-year jail term or pay a Le 5,000 fine.

After serving 7 months in prison, he missed out on his WASSCE examination, fell ill with hernia, and a surgical operation was performed on him weeks ago. Alimamy was deserted by family and friends. He was left to languish behind bars because he could not pay his fines.

His sad state was discovered by the head of Support of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Madam Susan Coker, who then informed Madam Isha Johansen to rescue the boy.

Madam Johansen immediately accepted to pay his fine (Le 5,000), secured his release, and provided him with a token of Le 2,000 as start-up and medical support.

Madam Isha Johansen was pleased about the swift release of the boy today.

“I AM PLEASED TO BE INFORMED THAT THE YOUNG MAN ALIMAMY SANKOH’S RELEASE CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN MET, AND HE HAS BEEN RELEASED. THE RISING NUMBERS OF YOUNG PEOPLE INCARCERATED FOR PETTY CRIME AND DRUGS IS WORRYING. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO FOOTBALL FOR REFORM PLAYING A POSITIVE ROLE IN THEIR REHABILATION.”
Isha Johansen,
Founder Football For Reform

With emotions, Alimamy was dripping in tears while thanking and appreciating the kind gesture of Madam Johansen, through Madam Susan Coker.

“I never believe I will be out today. My family has abandoned me since I was brought here. I will remain grateful to Madam Isha Johansen. May God continue to elevate her”

Speaking on behalf of the Correctional Service, the Deputy Public Relations Officer Madam Nanah Sesay commended Madam Johansen for her continued support to the Correctional Service. “We want to thank Madam Isha Johansen for her intervention in helping the Correctional Service in the rehabilitation of our inmates. She has been doing this before by paying fines for several inmates over the years, which secured their release from the centre, and this has eased the issue of overcrowding at the correctional centres.”

Madam Susan Coker also admonished Alimamy to desist from crime and to appreciate the second chance given to him by Isha Johansen to integrate back into society.

Representing Fashion For Change and Football For Reform initiatives, Lawyer Yasmine Koroma talks about the roles played by these organisations to change the lives of inmates by providing legal representation, paying of fines, skills training.