39 Prison inmates graduate from CTVET in garments

Thirty-nine trainees from the James Camp Prison and the Senior Correctional Centre have graduated with National Proficiency I Certificates in garment making as they leave the prison.

The ceremony, which took place at the JCP in Accra last Thursday, formed part of efforts to promote rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society through skills training.

The training, under the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), also equipped participants in Mathematics, English, General Science, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Entrepreneurship.

Deputy Director of Prisons and the Greater Accra Regional Prisons Commander, Edward Fifi Acquah, described the graduation as “a defining moment of rehabilitation and transformation”.

He said prison should not be seen 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 to make the most of your time and prepare you for the day when society welcomes you back,” he added.

Mr Acquah further expressed appreciation to the German Development Bank (KfW), CTVET and facilitators for supporting the programme.

He said CTVET’s dedication to empowering individuals with vocational and technical skills was not just training hands, but shaping destinies.

To the facilitators, he said, “Your impact cannot be measured in certificates alone. It is written in the confidence, the skill, and the will that these trainees now carry”.

To trainees

Mr Acquah urged trainees not to stop learning or to give up on their dreams.

“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.

He said the trainees were living proof that with guidance, opportunity and determination, growth was possible, and urged them to walk with pride in their achievements. 

Commendation

The Officer in Charge of James Camp Prison, Deputy Director of Prison Augustina Mensah-Fiadzo, commended the trainees for their determination and resilience.

She explained that the initiative was part of the Ghana Prisons Service’s efforts to rehabilitate, reintegrate inmates into society, and inspire other inmates to take advantage of similar programmes.

“This graduation is a testament to our commitment to providing inmates with marketable skills that can transform their lives and help them to contribute positively to society,” she said.

Ms Mensah-Fiadzo said the Prisons Service was eager to expand the training into other programmes, such as carpentry, so that more inmates could benefit.

Certificate

The Regional Coordinator of the Ghana TVET Voucher Project, Egya Kojo Botwe, explained that the certificates awarded were not only valid in Ghana but also recognised internationally, being equivalent to those issued under the German TVET framework.

Mr Botwe encouraged the graduates to further their studies by progressing to Proficiency II and beyond, stressing that technical and vocational training could lead to higher academic qualifications, including doctorates in the informal sector.