Accra: Joshua Arthur, an ex-convict, has called on Ghanaian youth to be careful in their activities and avoid situations that can lead them to prison. Arthur, who was imprisoned for 23 years at the age of 24 for a car theft he claimed he did not commit, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that his failure to produce a neighbour he bought a car from landed him in prison.
According to Ghana News Agency, Arthur urged the youth to be cautious and not waste their lives as he did, emphasizing that one small mistake could destroy their entire future. He advised the youth to take good care of themselves, highlighting that many young people are in prison due to issues related to women, such as defilement and rape, as well as for threatening people, fights, and minor mistakes.
Arthur reminded the youth that a single wrong decision could result in being locked up for years, wasting the best part of their lives. He shared that he had seen firsthand the impact of prison on young individuals and hoped to prevent others from falling into the same trap.
He noted that many innocent youths in prison have turned to activities such as homosexuality or fraud due to the environment inside. Arthur pointed out that internet fraud, homosexuality, and Tramadol use are damaging the lives of many boys in prison.
Arthur further advised the youth to listen to their parents, avoid shortcuts, and respect authority. He shared a personal experience, revealing that he failed to heed his father's advice to return the car, a mistake that cost him 23 years of his life.