Deputy Director of Prisons and Officer-in-Charge at the Manhyia Local Prison, Hannah Hilda Ewoame, has praised the role of formal education in rehabilitating inmates, following news that nine prisoners have been awarded scholarships to pursue university degrees.
“Time is an essential commodity in prison. It’s important that inmates engage in productive activities that will benefit them in the future,” she told the Ghana News Agency during a visit to the facility.
The inmates, aged between 26 and 39, are currently in their second year of a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) programme, majoring in Basic Education for Upper Primary.
The degree is being offered by Jackson University College through virtual learning, with lectures held on weekends.
Ewoame emphasized that prisons are not only for confinement, but also for transformation.
“Formal education is a key component of rehabilitation. It equips inmates with skills that help them reintegrate into society,”* she added.
Despite the progress, officials say there are ongoing challenges.
The student-inmates struggle with poor internet connectivity and a shortage of study materials — factors that continue to affect the effectiveness of the programme.
