The Ashanti Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service, Ing. James B. Mwinyelle, has warned that the growing number of young people behind bars represents a major loss to Ghana’s development, revealing that about 70 to 80 per cent of inmates at the Kumasi Central Prison are between the ages of 20 and 35.

Speaking on the sidelines of a choral service and exhibition organised at the Ashanti Regional Prison Headquarters in Adum, Ing. Mwinyelle described the trend as deeply troubling and a signal that broader societal systems are failing the youth.

“When we see so many of our young men and women in prison, it tells us that something is seriously wrong,” he said, stressing that young people remain the nation’s most valuable human resource.

The event, dubbed the Choral Service and Exhibition Show, was organised by the Time To Think Foundation in collaboration with the EBAM Foundation as part of activities aimed at promoting rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates. It featured musical performances, a health walk, and an exhibition of products made by inmates.

Ing. Mwinyelle used the occasion to call for intensified public education and preventive efforts to keep young people away from crime. He urged parents, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, traditional leaders and opinion leaders to play more active roles in mentoring and guiding the youth.

Beyond prevention, the Deputy Director of Prisons appealed for increased support for inmates, particularly from non-governmental organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning individuals.

“Even though the government is doing its best, as the inmates’ feeding rate has been increased, we are still struggling. We still need food and sanitation items, especially for the female inmates, because they need special care,” he said.

He added that support should not be limited to donations but should also include counselling, mentorship and motivation to help inmates rebuild their lives.

“We need people who will sit with them, listen to their stories and help them see a future beyond prison walls,” he noted.

Ing. Mwinyelle concluded by emphasising collective responsibility, saying a coordinated effort by families, religious bodies, NGOs and the state could significantly reduce youth incarceration and help redirect young lives towards positive contributions to society.