Over 1,500 Ghanaian inmates enrolled in formal education since 2019

More than 1,500 inmates in prisons across Ghana have taken part in formal education programmes since 2019, with many achieving a 100 per cent pass rate, the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, has disclosed.

The figures were contained in a statement issued to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day, observed annually on July 18.

Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie said promoting education remains a central component of the Ghana Prisons Service’s rehabilitation strategy, aimed at preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society through knowledge and skills development.

She noted that the Service has broadened access to education in prisons through partnerships with the Ghana Education Service and other educational institutions.

According to the statement, more than 1,500 adult and juvenile inmates enrolled in Junior High School and Senior High School programmes in various prison facilities between 2019 and 2026, with many of the candidates recording a 100 per cent success rate in their examinations.

The Director-General also highlighted progress in expanding access to higher education, stating that more than 700 inmates have benefited from tertiary education opportunities through collaborations with institutions including the University of Cape Coast, Accra Metropolitan University and Pentecost University, with scholarship support.

She explained that the educational initiatives form part of the Think Prisons 360 Degrees Initiative, which seeks to transform prisons from places of incarceration into centres focused on rehabilitation, education and skills training.

According to the statement, the initiative is designed to equip inmates with the knowledge, practical skills and values needed to become responsible, productive and law-abiding citizens after serving their sentences.

The Ghana Prisons Service reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that inmates leave prison with the education and skills necessary to reintegrate successfully into society and contribute positively to national development.