UE Regional prisons commander DDP Bopam calls for support to transform inmates lives
He says greater public support will help expand vocational training programmes and promote the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
The Upper East Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service, DDP Augustine Bopam, has called on the public to support efforts to transform prisons into centres of rehabilitation and opportunity.
Speaking to the media ahead of the launch of the Think Prison 360 Degrees initiative at the Navrongo Central Prison on Friday, April 17, Bopam emphasized that the modern prison system must go beyond confinement to focus on reform and reintegration.
“Prisons are not just places for keeping people, but centres for training, correction, and giving inmates a second chance.” He stressed.
He noted that while inmates are being trained in various vocational skills such as carpentry, masonry, and weaving, the lack of equipment and resources continues to limit the full impact of these programmes.
“If we receive support from the general public, we can expand these training programmes so that inmates will leave with skills and something to start their lives with.” He said.
Bopam also highlighted the importance of societal acceptance of former inmates, urging communities to support their reintegration.
“We call on society to be ready to receive and support inmates after their discharge so they can integrate well.” He appealed.
The Think Prison 360 Degrees initiative, a programme under the Ghana Prisons Service, is aimed at rebranding the prison system through four key areas welfare, agriculture, industrialisation, and revenue generation while promoting rehabilitation and skills development.
The Navrongo launch forms part of efforts to replicate the initiative at the regional level.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Alexander Kubabom
