The Ghana Prisons Service has highlighted the importance of safe custody, reform, and rehabilitation in the management of prisoners. According to Superintendent Nanavi Solomon, the Service's responsibility goes beyond keeping inmates in custody. Once a person is brought to prison and sentenced by a court, the Ghana Prisons Service assumes responsibility for the person's safe custody, welfare, reform, and rehabilitation.
Superintendent Nanavi Solomon explained that people are sent to prison for different offences, including abetment of crime, armed robbery, and other criminal offences. Safe custody means ensuring that prisoners remain secure and serve the sentences imposed on them by the courts. However, imprisonment should not only be about keeping offenders behind bars but also provide opportunities for them to change their behaviour and acquire skills that can help them after their release.
Upon arrival at the prison, every person undergoes a diagnostic assessment process to determine their background, abilities, and rehabilitation needs. This assessment seeks to establish the person's character, educational background, existing skills, and what the individual is capable of doing. The information obtained through the assessment helps the Prisons Service determine the appropriate programmes and interventions for each inmate.
Education and skills development are crucial components of the rehabilitation process within the prison system. Inmates have access to both formal and informal education, with opportunities ranging from basic education to university level. Programmes cater to inmates with different educational backgrounds, including adults who may need to begin or continue their education. Some inmates can progress through the educational system up to the university level while serving their sentences.
Beyond formal education, inmates are also trained in practical and vocational skills, including welding, carpentry, and other trades, to equip them with skills that can support them after their release. Providing inmates with education, skills, and other rehabilitation opportunities is essential in preventing them from returning to the activities that brought them to prison. If an offender leaves prison without any meaningful change or alternative means of making a living, there is a risk that the person could return to criminal activities.
The ultimate objective of the Prisons Service is to ensure that inmates serve their sentences safely while receiving the necessary support to prepare them for reintegration into society. Education, vocational training, and other rehabilitation programmes provide inmates with opportunities to develop themselves while in custody. Prisoners should leave the correctional system with improved attitudes, useful skills, and the capacity to make better choices.
The welfare of prisoners is also an important responsibility of the Ghana Prisons Service, as successful rehabilitation can contribute to safer communities and reduce the likelihood of former inmates returning to crime. Superintendent Nanavi Solomon reiterated that safe custody, reform, and rehabilitation are interconnected responsibilities, with the broader objective of ensuring that inmates serve their sentences while being given the opportunity to change, acquire skills, and return to society as productive individuals.
Key points
- The Ghana Prisons Service prioritizes safe custody, education, and rehabilitation to manage prisoners effectively.
- Education and vocational training are essential components of the rehabilitation process.
- Successful rehabilitation can contribute to safer communities and reduce recidivism.
