Five inmates from the Kumasi Central Prison have been registered to take the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) with the support of the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi.

According to a report by yen.com.gh on June 12, 2025, the inmates, who fall within the age bracket of 20 and 25, sat for the examination at the Bantama Examination Centre under strict supervision.

This marked their first step toward rehabilitation and knowledge acquisition that could prove valuable to them after they finish serving their jail term.

This initiative forms part of the Ghana Prisons Service's efforts to equip inmates with formal education, reduce recidivism (the tendency to re-offend), and ensure their seamless reintegration into society after their release.

Though the inmates' identities were not disclosed, the program aims to provide prisoners with access to formal academic education, specifically through the BECE.

Agyeman Boadi has further pledged to cover the registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for any inmate who qualifies for the second cycle education level.

During his visit to the various examination centers in the city, including the Bantama Centre, Agyeman Boadi expressed his support and encouragement to all candidates, particularly the inmates.

"I'm encouraged to see these young men taking such a brave step toward a new beginning. This is a sign of hope," he stated.


The inmates' participation in the BECE is proof of the Ghana Prisons Service's commitment to rehabilitation through education.

These five inmates are part of the 120,285 pupils writing the ongoing BECE at 432 centers in the Ashanti Region.

A total of over 600,000 candidates sat for the national examination across the 16 regions of Ghana.





His support has attracted mixed reactions on social media, with some netizens expressing curiosity about how the inmates learned while in prison, as others offered words of encouragement.

Other exam centers he visited include Adventist and Asanteman SHS in Bantama, Serwaa Nyarko SHS in Manhyia North, and Opoku Ware in Nyhiaeso.

During his visits, he urged students to avoid cheating during exams and focus on building a successful future.

"This is the first step to shaping your future, so take it seriously," he advised them.

Officials from Ghana’s Prisons Service have praised his effort, highlighting how education can change lives in prison.

They emphasised that providing inmates with opportunities to acquire new skills is essential to reducing the likelihood of inmates returning to bad ways after their release.

Watch video below

Five male inmates from Kumasi Central Prison have been registered and are actively participating in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), they will be writing at the Bantama Adventist SHS examination center.

The Kumasi Mayor, Hon. Richard Agyemang Boadu… pic.twitter.com/aYj7iyxJzQ

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) June 11, 2025