General News of Saturday, 8 August 2026

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

'I went to prison with coins and came out with stacks of cash' – Ex-convict Kweku Gardiner

Former drug convict, Kweku Gardiner Former drug convict, Kweku Gardiner

In a shocking revelation about the state of correctional facilities in Ghana, former drug convict and IT professional Kweku Gardiner has detailed how loose security, corruption, and financial influence allowed him to operate cyber fraud schemes while serving time behind bars.

Speaking during an interview on Atinka TV, the ex-convict explained that inmates ran illegal operations with the active involvement and facilitation of prison officers who compromised security protocols for monetary gains.

"I had access to a phone and was into fraud. Not any business. Fraud. It was a cheap cellular fraud... We just go online, grab a client, and work on them till you get their money," Gardiner disclosed.

According to him, prison officers routinely provided prisoners access to technology in exchange for cash bribes.

"We had an IT lab in the prison. The prison officers were in on it, just settle them with some cash and they would give you access to the computers.

“There was an officer, if you give him money to purchase a phone, he would get one for you at a fee," he alleged.

He added that security within the prisons has become increasingly loose due to financial favours.

Gardiner also pointed out a stark inequality in how inmates are treated based on their status and wealth, noting that politicians and high-profile individuals convicted of corruption do not experience the harsh realities of ordinary prison cells.

"If you have money, you can live good in prison. Those individuals and politicians who get jailed for corruption charges, when they come, they get preferential treatment.

"They are not brought to the ordinary cells. They are usually taken to the infirmary cells, which are more comfortable,” he said.

Gardiner, who previously battled a 19-year drug addiction before turning to armed robbery and fraud, cautioned young people against crime and quick riches, warning that the temporary comforts of illegal activities ultimate lead to destruction.

@lordknows_madugu I entered prison with coins and came out with bundles of cash. – Kweku Gardener, ex-convict reflects on his 4 times Prison life. Says Mobile money fraud is one of the easiest scams in prisons. #fypシ゚ #fypシ゚viral🖤tiktok #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fypppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ original sound - Mxta Xcoded


ID/EB