Intervention to empower prisoners, ex-convicts in Northern Ghana unveiled

An intervention aimed at empowering prisoners and ex-convicts in northern Ghana has been launched in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital.

The “Harnessing Opportunities for Prisoners and Ex-Convicts (HOPE) Project” has been launched with the overall objective of addressing recidivism, improving mental health and empowering inmates and ex-offenders through skills training and community reintegration.

It is being implemented by the Centre for Social and Development Reform (CDS Reform), with funding from the Misereor, a German donor.

Overview

Giving an overview of the project at the launch, the HOPE Project Manager, Emmanuel Mba Dome, explained that the project, which was in its third phase, was a build-up of the successes of the first and second phases.

He said phase III of the project seeks to reduce recidivism, improve mental health and empower ex-offenders through skills training and community reintegration.

Mr Dome indicated that the three-year project seeks to provide free legal services to 450 prisoners and remand prisoners, train 15 paralegal officers to support justice delivery within the correctional centres, as well as train more than 450 ex-offenders in vocational skills.

Additionally, he said about 1,200 prisoners would be supported to reintegrate into the community, with 600 new businesses to be launched by the ex-offenders.

Policy reforms

The Head of Programmes of CDS Reform, Nervous Daguah, on behalf of the Executive of CDS Reform, David Yiridong Issaka, emphasised the urgent need for policy responses to high youth unemployment and drug abuse, which were factors directly linked to rising crime rates in the country.

“The exclusion and marginalisation of prisoners and ex-offenders from social and economic opportunities is a threat to Ghana’s adherence to the principle of “leaving no one behind,” Issaka stated.

He also highlighted the inadequacy of the current feeding grant of GH¢1.80 per day, translating to just GH¢0.60 per meal, as a serious human rights issue and urged the government to urgently review the amount to ensure food and nutrition security for inmates.

The Northern Regional Commander of the Ghana Prison Service, Deputy Director of Prison (DDP), Joseph Asabre, lauded the NGO and its partners for the intervention and said it would go a long way to bring hope, dignity and sustainable opportunities to  vulnerable persons in the justice system.

Writer’s email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh