Correctional officers from Ghana visit SCI-Mahanoy

MAHANOY TOWNSHIP, PA — Superintendent Edward J. Klem and the staff of the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Mahanoy recently hosted a tour for a group of correctional officers from Ghana.

The group of six men and two women, led by Chief Superintendent Marcarius Zusurekuu, included chief superintendents, superintendents, assistant superintendents and chief officers. They are visiting and working in various state correctional facilities until late September.

At SCI-Mahanoy, the group visited several housing units, the special needs unit, the restricted housing unit, the medical department and infirmary, the food service department, laundry facility, chapel and the education department. They observed the daily routine of the institution and interacted with inmates. Lt. Steve Datchko served as escort for the West African nation visitors and provided explanations regarding the use of high-tech equipment.

The visitors from Ghana specifically requested to visit the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and attend its training academy. Pennsylvania enjoys a national reputation for its innovative approach to corrections and its leadership in developing programs to rehabilitate offenders.

The group is also participating in training exercises and plans to shadow Pennsylvania corrections officials in their job performance.

The intent of the visit is for the Ghana corrections staff to learn and use the knowledge gained here to improve the operation of the correctional system in Ghana.

The officials from Ghana were back in Schuylkill County on Friday for a tour at SCI-Frackville and the Schuylkill County Fire Training School in nearby Morea.