The Ministry of the Interior has announced significant reforms in the Ghana Prisons Service aimed at improving inmate welfare, with a focus on education and expanded correctional facilities.

Speaking at the first session of the Government Accountability Series, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak revealed that the Prisons Service has rolled out juvenile and secondary education programmes to support the continuous learning and rehabilitation of young inmates.

“This marks a bold step towards rehabilitative justice,” the Minister said, emphasising that the initiative will equip young offenders with the knowledge and skills needed for successful reintegration into society.

In a related development, the Minister announced the completion of the Damongo Correctional Facility—the fifth camp prison now fully operational. The facility forms part of broader efforts to reduce overcrowding and improve living conditions within Ghana’s prisons.

“I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Church of Pentecost for the tremendous support they have provided to the Ghana Prisons Service,” Mr Mohammed said. “During my recent visit, I witnessed firsthand the near completion of five camp prisons, with Damongo now ready and functional.”

The Minister called on Ghanaians, individuals, businesses, and corporate organisations to support the security services, particularly the prison system, which currently manages over 14,000 inmates, including a significant number of foreign nationals.

“If a church can step in to assist our prison service, then surely every citizen and stakeholder should consider supporting these vital institutions,” he urged.

The new education programmes, combined with the expansion of facilities like Damongo, are part of a strategic shift to address overcrowding and promote a more humane, rehabilitative approach to corrections in Ghana.