The Kumasi Central Prison, one of Ghana’s largest correctional facilities established in 1901, has long been a focal point for discussions about prison reform and the role of incarceration in society. Historically, prisons in Ghana, like many others globally, prioritized punishments over rehabilitation. However, in recent years, the Ghana Prisons Service has shifted towards a more progressive model, emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration. At the heart of this transformation is the implementation of skills training programs designed to equip inmates with practical, marketable abilities. These initiatives not only aim to reduce recidivism but also empower the individuals and make them ready for the larger world.
The Ashanti Regional Prisons Public Relations Unit, through this article seeks to delve into the many skill training programs at the Kumasi Central Prison that are being used as a life changing vehicle back to the society for a proper reintegration.
Shifting from Warehousing of Inmates towards UN Standard Rehabilitation.
The Ghana Prisons Service, as an adjunct of Ghana’s criminal Justice system has faced criticism for overcrowded facilities, limited resources, and a lack of focus on the inmate reformation and rehabilitation. However, the Kumasi Central Prison has emerged as a leader in adopting rehabilitative practices. Recognizing that punitive measures alone fail to address the root causes of criminal behavior, the facility now integrates vocational training, and education.
Section 88-90 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of prisoners (Mandela Rules) highlights on the needs of prisoners having access to education, including literacy programs, vocational training, and other educational activities.
Sections 89-90 throws more light on the need for prisoners to be taken through education and vocational training which aims at improving prisoners’ prospects for a successful reintegration into society and also tailored to individual prisoners needs and aptitudes.
Rehabilitative Skills Training Programs That Enhances Reintegration
The Kumasi Central Prison offers diverse range of rehabilitation or skills training programs aimed at meeting the goals of Section 88-90 of The Mandela Rules. These programs include the following:
Adum Mineral Water
The Kumasi Central Prison has been granted permission by the Food and Drugs Authority to manufacture and market bottled and sachet water under the “Adum Mineral Water” brand. The machines are operated by both officers and inmates.
The water manufacturing unit delivers water to both officers and civilians via tricycle. The Marketing unit at the Kumasi Central Prison is planning on setting up a sales outlet at the Suntreso Prisons Barracks.
ICT and Digital Literacy
The professionally trained IT instructors with support from NGOs offer Basic ICT training to inmates in Software and Basic digital skills. Due to the unavailability of space, only a small number of prisoners are able to take advantage this training because of space constraints.
Kente Weaving
The Kumasi Central Prison can boast of one of the largest kente weaving hubs with the production of beautiful and affordable traditional kente for all occasions.
Some of the weavers came as professionals who were given the opportunity to train other inmates who showed interest and are now doing very well.
Carpentry and Woodworking
Inmates learn carpentry skills, from basic furniture construction to advanced woodworking techniques. The workshop produces items like; chairs, tables. Wardrobes, beds, cabinets, doors frames, windows and couches. These are mostly patronized by officers, publics of the prison and the general public. Proceeds are used to fund inmates’ welfare and also for retooling of the shop.
Tailoring and Fashion Design
A tailoring unit equipped with sewing, buttons, and knitting machines enables inmates to create clothing, uniforms, and accessories. Some participants have even designed garments for local markets, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship.
Leather works
This is another valuable skill training program for prisoners who intends to work on belts, wallets, school bags, laptop bags, footwear etc
Electrical and Electronics
Inmates are trained by professionally certified Electrical and Electronics prison officers to be able to fix home appliances, wirings among others.
Beadmaking
This is a vocation mostly seen to be gender bias but the industrial leadership of the Central Prison have been able to push male convicts into the vocation.
Blacksmith
This training unit specializes in designing and crafting aluminum and metallic objects used by the prison and patronized by the general public.
Batik, Tie & Dye
The Central prison offers batik, tie and die skill training to empower interested inmates with creative and marketable skills. The training equips inmates with practical skills that can be applied to generate income after being discharged.
The positive aspect of the skill training is that, inmates who are eligible are made to register to sit for an NVTI exams that makes them worthy and ready for the job market.
Reintegration Challenges: Opportunities and Challenges
While skills training is critical, successful reintegration into society requires more than technical know-how. Stigma, lack of resources, and limited, and limited post-release support remain significant barriers. To address these challenges, the Kumasi Central Prison collaborates with NGOs, religious groups, and business owners to create pathways for ex-convicts.
The administrative doors of the Kumasi Central Prison will always be opened for developmental joint partnership and also feasible for individuals or groups to come adopt a skill training workshop to enhance its prowess.
Call to Action
In Ghana’s criminal justice system, the skills training programs offered by the Kumasi Central Prison are signs of positives that are to come.
The biggest prison in the northern and middle belt in terms of inmates’ population is redefining the purpose of incarceration by providing inmates with useful skills and cultivating a culture of redemption. Even though there are still challenges, the program’s achievement highlights how it can change people’s lives and communities.
The DDP James B. Mwinyelle’s led Kumasi Central Prison provides a model worth imitating, one where everyone, regardless of background can strive for a better future as society comes to appreciate the importance of rehabilitation.
Despite the progress, challenges still persist. Overcrowding strains resources and funding for training materials remains inconsistent. Advocacy for increased government and private sector support is crucial. Expanding partnerships with technical institutes and collaborations could enhance program quality and job placement.
Filed by the Ashanti Regional Prisons Public Relations Unit.
