GBARNGA, Bong County, Aug. 11 -- The Gbarnga Central Prison is facing a severe overcrowding crisis, with approximately 440 inmates currently confined at a correctional facility originally designed to accommodate only about 130 people.

The alarming situation was disclosed Monday by Bong County Attorney Cllr. Jonathan Flomo during the opening of the August Term of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga, where judicial authorities, lawmakers and other stakeholders raised concerns about the growing pressure on the county's correctional system.

The current inmate population means that the facility is housing more than three times its original intended capacity, creating serious challenges for prison administrators and raising concerns a...