Prisons Service calls for national policy to support ex-convicts’ reintegration

The Ghana Prisons Service has called for a comprehensive National Reintegration Policy to address the stigma, discrimination and unemployment confronting formerly incarcerated persons as they seek to rebuild their lives after prison.

The Service says the challenges continue to undermine efforts to reintegrate former inmates into society, making it necessary for government, the private sector, families and communities to provide sustained support and employment opportunities.

The call was made at the maiden National Ex-Convicts Conference organised by the Crime Check Foundation at the GNAT Hall in Accra on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

Held under the theme, “Rebuilding Life After Prison: Effective Reintegration for a Better Society,” the conference brought together stakeholders to discuss ways of addressing social exclusion and creating opportunities for people returning to society after serving prison sentences.

Delivering an address on behalf of the Ghana Prisons Service, the Director of Prisons in Charge of Operations and Facility Management, Mr Benedict Bob-Dery, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

He, however, identified societal stigma, discrimination and unemployment as major obstacles that make it difficult for former inmates to rebuild their lives.

He urged stakeholders to move beyond prison-based rehabilitation by creating an enabling environment for returning citizens to secure jobs, gain social acceptance and access post-release support.

Mr Bob-Dery said such interventions were necessary to reduce reoffending and promote public safety.

Also addressing the conference, the Chairman of the Prisons Service Council, Apostle Ing. Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, highlighted the importance of prison ministry and partnerships with stakeholders in advancing inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.

He encouraged participants to support the Service’s Think Prisons 360 Degrees Agenda and embrace the Employing the Returning Citizen Campaign.

He stressed that having a criminal record should not become a lifelong barrier to employment and social acceptance, urging society to give formerly incarcerated persons a fair opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Some former inmates who shared their experiences at the conference recounted the difficulties they faced after leaving prison, particularly stigma, discrimination and exclusion from economic opportunities.

They appealed for greater public support and inclusive opportunities to help returning citizens reintegrate successfully.

The event was attended by the Director-General of Prisons (Rtd.), Mr Isaac Kofi Egyir, senior officers of the Ghana Prisons Service and other key stakeholders.

The Service's participation reinforces its position that its mandate extends beyond the safe custody of inmates to include their rehabilitation, reformation and eventual reintegration as productive members of society.