‎Correspondence from Eastern Region

The CEO of Willak Group of Companies and Abuakwa South NPP Youth Organiser, who is also a hopeful for the Eastern Regional NPP Youth Organiser position, Nana Kwaku Amoako, has partnered with the "Save the Coin Foundation" to organise technical and vocational training for about 100 inmates of the Koforidua Male Prisons ahead of their release through the Presidential Pardon initiative.

The inmates were trained in soap and bead making, mobile phone repairs and assembling, and other entrepreneurial skills aimed at equipping them for life after their prison term.

In addition, with support from Save the Coin Foundation, food items, toiletries, and other consumables were donated to the inmates.

Speaking during the exercise, Nana Kwaku Amoako emphasised the need to empower inmates with employable skills that can sustain their livelihoods and help prevent them from returning to crime.

He noted that the future of ex-convicts largely depends on the support and opportunities they are given after serving their sentences.



“If prison inmates receive training in entrepreneurship and profitable economic activities, it gives them hope and a purpose after prison. They can be independent, work, and live disciplined lives for a brighter future,” he said.

He stressed that inmate reformation requires more than counselling—practical interventions that can help them generate income and live responsibly are essential.

According to him, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains the most effective means of giving prisoners a fresh start.

The Executive Director of Save the Coin Foundation, Ahmed Akuse Osei, highlighted the long-term benefits of providing technical training for inmates.

He explained that empowering ex-convicts with employable skills helps reduce stigmatisation and victimisation in society.

“Prison should not be the end of their lives. Every training opportunity must be seen as a chance to secure a better future,” he advised.

The Public Relations Officer of the Koforidua Male Prisons, DSP Ezekiel Korletey, commended Nana Kwaku Amoako and the Save the Coin Foundation for the timely initiative, especially as about 100 inmates are set to benefit from the Presidential Pardon program.

He noted that such opportunities reduce the challenges ex-convicts face when reintegrating into society and prevent them from becoming burdens on their families and communities.

DSP Korletey further expressed concern about the rate at which some ex-convicts return to prison due to economic hardship and lack of support.

He believes that increased investment in vocational training will change the narrative.

He also praised the government for increasing the daily feeding grant for prisoners from GH¢1.80 to GH¢5.00, but appealed for more support to improve infrastructure and resources for various training workshops, including carpentry and tailoring, and to address problems such as leaking roofs in inmate cells and inadequate medical supplies.