JAK FOUNDATION SUPPORTS KSI PRISONS

The introduction of formal education into the Kumasi Central Prisons is contributing substantially towards reformation of the inmates to integrate well into the larger society as well as help some of them further their education to the tertiary level. 

Some of the Reformation Junior and Senior High School graduates who could not continue with further studies upon their discharge from the Prisons have used the knowledge acquired through the school system in the Prisons to set themselves up in business with some others donating items towards sustenance of the Reformation School in appreciation for the knowledge received while serving their sentences.

 These came to the fore in Kumasi at the inauguration of a Library for the Reformation School at the Central Prisons. 

The school, established in 2004, is attended by inmates of the Prisons selected through screening for their respective psychological, social and educational needs upon their entry to the Prisons from the law Courts. 

About 65 inmates made up of 30 at the Junior High and 35 at the Senior High levels have so far sat for the BECE and WASSCE with very encouraging outcomes since the start of the system. It currently has 27 students at both levels with 12 of them, six each preparing to write this year’s BECE and WASSCE. 

They are taught by inmates who are either graduates, teachers or Prison officials. Among their challenges are inadequate space and poorly resourced library. 

It was in appreciation of the situation the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation Scholars through their social responsibility initiative christened “Cell Not Hell” refurbished and stocked the library to aid teaching and learning. 

The group has stocked also the refurbished Library with many assorted books on a wide range of subjects solicited from various corporate organizations. 

The JAK Foundation Scholars had about a year ago, supported the Reformation Junior and Senior High Schools with teaching and learning materials as well as Ceiling fans to create a congenial environment for academic work to take place in the Prisons. 

At a ceremony to inaugurate the refurbished Reformation Schools Library, an inmate student emphasized that the new stocked facility will greatly help teaching and learning, especially to prepare the students for their respective external exams.

The Officer in charge of Education at the Ashanti regional Prisons Command, Chief Superintendent of Prisons, Nana Kofi Antwi, was satisfied with the performance of students of the schools in previous BECE and WASSCE. He however expressed worry about some negative perception and treatment meted out to the discharged graduates in the larger society.

The Chief Executive Officer of the John Agyekum Foundation, Professor Baffuor Agyemang Duah, explained that the refurbishment and stocking of the Prisons library is the Scholars’ contribution towards proper reformation of the inmates while supporting government in building a better society.

The Ashanti Regional Prisons Commander, DDP Samuel Owusu Amponsah, appealed to corporate entities and spirited individuals to help the Kumasi Prisons with the basic health and training needs to enable the facility live up to its core function.