The Ghanaian government has taken a significant step towards enhancing the education sector while simultaneously aiding inmate rehabilitation through a new partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Interior. This collaboration aims to leverage the Ghana Prisons Service to manufacture essential school supplies, including sanitary pads, uniforms, and furniture.
During the signing ceremony for three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu emphasized the alignment of this initiative with the government’s local production strategy. He stated that by involving inmates in productive vocational activities, the initiative aims to equip them with valuable skills that can help prevent recidivism. This approach not only benefits the inmates but also supports public schools with locally produced educational materials.
Iddrisu assured attendees that the Ministry of Education would provide adequate financial backing and collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure the initiative’s successful execution. He highlighted the dual purpose of the program: improving the lives of inmates and enhancing the educational resources available to students.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak underscored the specifics of the MoUs, which delineate minimum production targets for the Ghana Prisons Service. Under this agreement, the Prisons Service is expected to supply 30% of school furniture, 25% of sanitary pads as part of a government distribution initiative, and 30% of school uniforms. This framework aims to guarantee quality, transparency, and timely delivery of these essential items while fostering collaboration between ministries.
Additionally, a five-member implementation committee will be established to monitor and guide the project’s progress. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, the Director-General of Prisons, described the agreements as transformative for the Prisons Service. She noted that this initiative will not only generate income for the Service but also enhance the skill sets of inmates, contributing to lower reoffending rates and improved public safety.
