seventy-one inmates have successfully graduated with university degrees, marking a significant milestone in the Ghana Prisons Service’s (GPS) commitment to rehabilitation and reformation today at the Medium Security Prisons, Nsawam.
The graduation ceremony, held in collaboration with the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and supported by the Plant Volta Foundation, showcased the power of education in transforming lives behind bars.
Addressing the graduates, the Director General of Prisons, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq.), expressed her utmost pleasure at witnessing the achievement of these students, emphasizing the Service’s core mandate of ensuring the safety, welfare, and rehabilitation of inmates.
“This initiative is not just about education; it is about hope, second chances, and reshaping futures. The Ghana Prisons Service, in collaboration with UCC, has worked tirelessly to ensure that inmates have access to higher education opportunities beyond the senior high school level,” she stated.
A Program of Transformation
The Prisons Inmate Tertiary Education Program(PITEP) , launched in November 2019, began with 58 inmates enrolling in Bachelor’s degrees in Education and Commerce. The following year, another 58 inmates joined the program, which has since grown into a well-structured academic pathway for incarcerated individuals. The progress made has been remarkable, with this year’s graduation celebrating 71 successful students.
Among them, three inmates distinguished themselves by earning First-Class honors—an extraordinary feat given the challenging conditions under which they studied. Their resilience and commitment serve as an inspiration to both their fellow inmates and society at large.
The valedictorian of the ceremony, Matthew, shared his emotional journey, recalling how he nearly lost hope upon receiving a 20-year sentence in February 2018.
“I stand here as living proof that education can transform even the most unlikely spaces into gateways of hope. This program has not only given us degrees but has redefined our purpose and prepared us to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Matthew expressed his deep gratitude to the University of Cape Coast, the Ghana Prisons Service, and supporting foundations for believing in their potential.
He also appealed for more support, highlighting the need for books, computers, internet connectivity, and better learning facilities to enhance the program.
Supporting Inmates Beyond Graduation
One of the most heartwarming moments of the ceremony came when it was announced that a female philanthropist’s foundation had pledged to sponsor the valedictorian’s pursuit of a law degree.
Additionally, the University of Cape Coast awarded a scholarship of GHS 15,000 to inmates ready to pursue master’s programs.
The Director General Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq.) also called for the introduction of law programs for inmates, emphasizing the need to expand educational opportunities in prisons.
“We must not only focus on degrees but also ensure that inmates have vocational and technical skills to make them employable upon their release,” she noted.
Breaking the Stigma, Reintegration into Society
Beyond education, the Director General urged society to shift its perspective on ex-inmates, advocating for their acceptance and reintegration into the workforce.
“We must stop seeing inmates as forever criminals. Given the right support and opportunities, they can become responsible citizens, reducing recidivism and contributing positively to Ghana’s development,” she emphasized.
A former inmate, Prosper, who was discharged just a day before the graduation, stood as a testament to this vision. Having obtained a First-Class degree in Mathematics and Science, he is now poised to contribute to the education sector, showcasing the tangible impact of this initiative.
While celebrating the program’s successes, challenges remain. Limited access to technology, study materials, and proper infrastructure continue to hinder the smooth operation of prison education.
Matthew on behalf of his graduating class, appealed to the government, organizations, and philanthropists to invest in upgrading the prison school library and improving access to educational resources.
As the ceremony concluded, one message was clear: investing in inmate education is investing in a safer, more productive, and just society. With continued support, the Ghana Prisons Service aims to sustain and expand this initiative, ensuring that no inmate is left behind in their pursuit of knowledge and a brighter future.
This graduation marks not just an academic achievement but a transformative journey for many who once saw no hope. It is a testament to the fact that education is a powerful tool for change, breaking barriers and proving that every individual, regardless of their past, deserves a second chance.
