The Obuasi Pentecost Mine Workers Guild (PEMEM) and the Pentecost Men’s Ministry have donated cement to the Obuasi Local Prisons in support of the construction of a vocational workshop facility, as part of efforts to strengthen prison rehabilitation and skills training.

The donation, comprising several bags of cement, was presented to prison authorities in Obuasi, where work is ongoing to develop infrastructure for inmate vocational training.

The workshop forms part of broader initiatives to expand the prison’s industrial and reformation programmes, aimed at equipping inmates with practical skills to reduce reoffending and support their reintegration into society after serving their sentences.

Speaking at the presentation, President of the Pentecost Mine Workers Guild, Elder Emmanuel Baidoo, said the donation reflected the group’s commitment to holistic community development, extending beyond spiritual growth to social and economic empowerment.

He explained that the building materials would support the construction of a workshop where inmates will receive hands-on training in trades such as carpentry, masonry, tailoring and other crafts once completed.

Elder Baidoo noted that the Church aligns with the vision of the Ghana Prisons Service to transform prisons into reformation centres, citing the construction of a modern prison camp by the Church in Obuasi. He also commended the management of the Obuasi Local Prisons for putting resources from government and private organisations to productive use.

In an interview with the media after the presentation, the Obuasi Area PEMEM Leader, Pastor Prince Agyeman, said the Men’s Ministry remains committed to improving the lives of all members of society, including those on the margins.

“By investing in infrastructure that equips inmates with vocational skills, we believe we are helping to break the cycle of crime and support sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

The Officer-in-Charge of the Obuasi Local Prisons, Chief Superintendent of Prisons (CSP) Francis Deku, expressed appreciation for the gesture, noting that such community support boosts the morale of both prison officers and inmates.

He said donations of building materials such as cement are critical to speeding up the completion of the workshop, which he described as a long-awaited project aligned with national and institutional priorities for prison reform and rehabilitation.

The donation adds to PEMEM’s record of community engagement and partnerships with local organisations. Recently, the Obuasi Area Men’s Ministry has undertaken outreach programmes and collaborated with institutions such as AngloGold Ashanti and Vivo Energy Ghana on initiatives promoting safety, education and civic responsibility in Obuasi.

The construction of vocational training facilities in prisons forms part of wider efforts by the Ghana Prisons Service, working with faith-based organisations and civil society groups, to expand skills training and prepare inmates for productive lives after release.

Stakeholders are hopeful that, once completed, the workshop will serve as a centre for skills acquisition and positive transformation for inmates in the Obuasi area.