Accra: The Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) is planning to establish five prison-based industries to equip inmates with marketable skills and support their reintegration. The initiative will transform existing vocational training programs into commercially oriented ventures in tailoring, cabinetry, shoemaking, packaging, and prefabrication, to enable inmates to gain practical experience and earn income.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Director-General of the GPS, announced this at the 2026 Image of a Woman Conference in Accra. The conference, themed 'Empowered to Influence, Equipped to Lead, Created to Impact,' highlighted the need to redesign traditional skills training, such as carpentry and masonry, to reflect the interests and economic realities of young people. Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized the importance of creating an environment where acquired skills can become a sustainable source of livelihood.
The GPS aims to introduce creative areas such as music, poetry, recital, and video production to help inmates develop skills suited to their talents and interests. Inmates will be encouraged to acquire multiple vocational skills to improve their employment or entrepreneurship prospects after release. This industrialization program is part of the broader 'Think Prisons 360 Degrees' approach, which addresses incarceration challenges from prevention through rehabilitation and post-release support.
Mrs. Baffoe-Bonnie also mentioned that the GPS is exploring mechanics and other production areas and seeking partnerships with businesses and stakeholders. The Service is already producing goods like 'Campers Mineral water' and collaborating with Ministries on the production of items such as tables, chairs, and windows using metal and wood. Plans are in place to dedicate a period every November to showcase these products, improve their quality, and demonstrate inmates' productive abilities.
The GPS is strengthening post-release support to help former inmates transition to freedom, avoiding significant social and economic pressures. They are engaging schools and churches to educate and encourage young people to make positive life choices. Additionally, the Service has launched initiatives to mobilize medicines and medical equipment for prison facilities, intending to sustain such support annually.
Prophetess Aku Xornam Adzraku-Kevi, Conference Convener and Executive Director of the Purim African Youth Development Platform (PAYDP), emphasized the importance of collaboration beyond one institution or sector for women's empowerment. PAYDP has been active in reproductive health, livelihood empowerment, sexual and gender-based violence, and leadership capacity for women and girls.
The conference, inspired by Prophetess Adzraku-Kevi's book 'The Image of a Woman,' sought to inspire and empower women while creating opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, entrepreneurship, networking, and social transformation. It brought together government officials, Members of Parliament, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, development partners, diplomats, faith leaders, students, media personalities, and emerging women leaders. The event also honored veteran media personality Madam Rosemary Ardayfio for her contributions to journalism, media excellence, and mentorship.