The Sunyani Central Prison has inaugurated a new skills development centre aimed at preparing inmates for life beyond incarceration. The facility, which was commissioned on October 30, 2026, will provide inmates with practical training in car washing, vehicle cleaning and detailing, tyre repairs, and other vulcanising services. This initiative is part of the Ghana Prisons Service's Think Prisons 360 Degrees programme, which focuses on rehabilitation, skills development, and reintegration of inmates into society.
The project was made possible through the support of philanthropist and contractor Eric Kumi, Chief Executive Officer of Erikama Enterprise. His contribution helped establish the centre, which is expected to equip inmates with vocational skills that could help them secure employment or establish their own businesses after their release. Director of Prisons (DOP) Thompson Otsyokpo commended Mr. Kumi for investing in the rehabilitation of inmates.
DOP Otsyokpo, who is also the Officer-in-Charge of Sunyani Central Prison and Regional Commander for the Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East Regions, emphasized that vocational initiatives like the centre will give inmates the opportunity to acquire useful skills, become economically independent, and contribute positively to society after serving their sentences. He also acknowledged GCB Bank for supporting the project through the drilling of a borehole to provide a reliable water supply for the car wash facility.
The centre's establishment is a result of collaboration between the Ghana Prisons Service and various stakeholders, including philanthropists and organizations. Madam Mariam Aziz, a sign-language interpreter to the President, donated an overhead water storage tank to support the project. The Officer-in-Charge expressed gratitude to all individuals and organizations that contributed to the centre's establishment.
Eric Kumi, the sponsor of the project, stated that his decision to support the initiative was driven by his desire to contribute to inmate rehabilitation and help equip them with skills they could use to earn a living after prison. He urged the inmates to take advantage of the opportunity, remain committed to learning, and put the skills acquired to good use.
The Bono Regional Minister's representative, Assistant Director at the Bono Regional Coordinating Council Samuel Mbo, praised the sponsor for directing his support towards a section of society that is often overlooked. He said the project demonstrated the importance of giving inmates a second chance and commended the Ghana Prisons Service for using the Think Prisons 360 Degrees initiative to promote rehabilitation and empowerment.
The centre is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of inmates at the Sunyani Central Prison. Through the programme, inmates are expected to develop skills that could improve their prospects of finding work or starting businesses upon their return to society. This initiative aligns with the Ghana Prisons Service's goal of rehabilitating inmates and preparing them for a successful reintegration into society.
Key points
- The Sunyani Central Prison's new centre is part of the Think Prisons 360 Degrees programme, which aims to strengthen rehabilitation, skills development, and reintegration of inmates into society.
- The centre was established with the support of philanthropist Eric Kumi and other stakeholders, including GCB Bank and Madam Mariam Aziz.
- The programme is expected to equip inmates with vocational skills, enabling them to secure employment or establish their own businesses after their release.
