Accra, Ghana – Thirty-nine inmates from James Camp Prison and the Senior Correctional Centre have successfully graduated with National Proficiency I Certificates in garment making, marking a significant milestone in the Ghana Prisons Service’s rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
The graduation ceremony, held last Thursday at James Camp Prison (JCP) in Accra, showcased the transformative power of skills training for inmates preparing to reintegrate into society. The programme, conducted under the auspices of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), also included instruction in Mathematics, English, General Science, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Entrepreneurship.
Deputy Director of Prisons and Greater Accra Regional Prisons Commander, Edward Fifi Acquah, described the occasion as “a defining moment of rehabilitation and transformation.” He emphasized that prison should not be viewed as the end of life, but as “a pause, a moment to reassess and redirect.”
“You are not misfits; you are seeds planted in difficult soil, but capable of blooming even here. These skills will help you make the most of your time and prepare for the day society welcomes you back,” Mr. Acquah said.
He extended appreciation to the German Development Bank (KfW), CTVET, and facilitators for their support, noting that their work was “not just training hands, but shaping destinies.” Addressing the facilitators directly, he added: “Your impact cannot be measured in certificates alone. It is written in the confidence, skill, and will that these trainees now carry.
Encouragement for Continuous Growth
Mr. Acquah urged the graduates to continue learning and to pursue their dreams regardless of past circumstances. “Your past does not define you. What truly defines you is the courage you show each day, your will to learn despite the circumstances, and your determination to rise above every obstacle,” he said, commending the trainees as living proof that with guidance, opportunity, and determination, personal growth is possible.
Institutional Support and Future Plans
Deputy Director of Prisons and Officer in Charge of James Camp Prison, Augustina Mensah-Fiadzo, commended the graduates for their resilience. She explained that the initiative is part of the Ghana Prisons Service’s ongoing efforts to equip inmates with marketable skills, inspire participation in similar programmes, and facilitate positive societal contributions.
This graduation is a testament to our commitment to providing inmates with skills that can transform their lives and help them contribute meaningfully to society,” Ms. Mensah-Fiadzo said. She also revealed plans to expand the training to other vocational areas, including carpentry, to benefit more inmates.
Internationally Recognised Certification
Egya Kojo Botwe, Regional Coordinator of the Ghana TVET Voucher Project, highlighted that the certificates awarded are valid both nationally and internationally, aligning with the German TVET framework. He encouraged the graduates to pursue further studies, progressing to Proficiency II and beyond, emphasizing that technical and vocational training could ultimately lead to advanced academic qualifications, including doctorates in informal sector fields.
The ceremony underscored the Ghana Prisons Service’s commitment to rehabilitation through education and vocational empowerment, providing inmates with tools for productive lives post-incarceration.
Source – My News Ghana
About the Author
