By: Kwadwo Ofosu Baffoe | ignewss — Sunyani, Ghana
Residents of the Bono East Region have been urged to support rehabilitation programmes at the Sunyani Central Prisons to help inmates acquire skills and prepare for a productive return to society after serving their sentences.
The programmes, being implemented as part of reforms within the Ghana Prisons Service, seek to shift the focus of correctional facilities from punishment alone to rehabilitation, skills development and successful reintegration.
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) George Boateng of the Sunyani Central Prisons said inmates are currently being trained in areas including tailoring, welding, shoemaking and distance education.
He said the programmes are intended to equip inmates with practical and academic skills that can improve their prospects of securing employment or establishing their own businesses after their release.
According to ASP Boateng, the reforms require strong support from the public, as government resources alone may not be sufficient to meet the needs of inmates and sustain the various rehabilitation initiatives.
He disclosed that the Sunyani Central Prisons receive an average of 35 inmates every week, with about 16 reportedly coming from the Techiman area, including Dwimor No. 1, Bamiri, Kenten and Takofiano.
He said the figures point to the need for greater community education on crime prevention and stronger collaboration between communities and the correctional system.
ASP Boateng therefore appealed to individuals, businesses, religious organisations, civil society groups and philanthropists to support the facility with resources to strengthen inmate rehabilitation and improve their welfare.
Also speaking, ASP Uvert Babakyirinaa appealed to the public to assist the prison with essential items, including mattresses, bedsheets, footwear, clothing and foodstuffs.
She said such support would complement government efforts to provide decent living conditions for inmates while creating an environment conducive to rehabilitation.
ASP Babakyirinaa urged the public to change negative perceptions about prisoners and recognise that people who have served their sentences can reform and make positive contributions to society.
She stressed that successful rehabilitation requires cooperation from the wider community, particularly in helping former inmates find opportunities to work, establish businesses and rebuild their lives after release.
The officers called for sustained public involvement in prison rehabilitation, saying supporting inmates with skills, education and basic needs would contribute to reducing reoffending and promoting safer communities.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com