The Executive Director of Crime Check Foundation, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, has called for comprehensive reforms in Ghana’s prison system, urging the government to introduce a formal policy to support inmates after their release.

Speaking in an interview on TV3’s New Day on Monday, November 9, 2026, Oppong Kwarteng said Ghana’s prison system focuses largely on keeping people in custody rather than adequately preparing them to return to society as productive citizens.

“We unfortunately are warehousing our prisoners. Again, there is no proper classification of our prisoners,” he said.

Watch as overloaded truck tilts dangerously

According to him, the failure to properly classify inmates could result in people convicted of minor offences being held alongside hardened criminals, potentially exposing them to negative influences.

He argued that imprisonment should not permanently define an individual or prevent them from contributing to society.

“The fact that someone goes into a prison doesn’t mean that we cannot make something out of that person,” he stressed.

Citing rehabilitation approaches in China, the United Kingdom and the United States, he said Ghana could adopt similar practices to better prepare inmates for life after incarceration.

He noted that prisoners could contribute to national development through various skills and productive activities if given the necessary training and support.

Oppong Kwarteng also expressed concern that some inmates receive vocational training while in prison but face rejection when they return to society.

He described this as a second punishment, saying: “When they come out, there is a second punishment. We reject them. Government rejects them. Society rejects them.”

According to him, the stigma attached to former prisoners makes it difficult for them to secure employment, reintegrate into their communities and rebuild their lives.

He further questioned the absence of a formal reintegration framework to guide and support former inmates after completing their sentences.

“There is no ex-convict reintegration policy. So what do you expect them to do? They come home and there is total rejection,” he said.

Family Health University challenges medical students to pursue clinical excellence

Oppong Kwarteng called for a change in the country’s approach to incarceration, insisting that rehabilitation should not end when a prisoner leaves a correctional facility.

He maintained that former inmates should be given opportunities to apply the skills acquired in prison and contribute meaningfully to society.

AS/MA

Passport Saga: Miracles Aboagye Accuses Ablakwa of Misleading Ghanaians