Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Inmates’ Education and Vocational Skill Training at Nsawam Medium Security Prison in Ghana

Abstract

This study explored stakeholders' perspectives on inmates’ education and vocational skills training in Nsawam Medium Security Prison in Ghana. Grounded in functionalists’ strain theory, and the symbolic interactionists’ labelling theory, this exploratory study targeted participants from the University of Cape Coast's Distance Education (DE) programme at Nsawam Medium Security Prison, and Prison Officers connected with inmates' education and vocational skills training, representatives from the Plan Volta, a non-governmental organization and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) as its population. The purposive sampling technique was used to select student inmates, 11 prison officers, and a representative each of Plan Volta and UCC. Data collection was facilitated through semi-structured interviews and data analysis was achieved through thematic analysis. The result of the study suggests that participants generally have a positive impression of inmates’ education and skills training. They unequivocally demonstrated that inmates’ education and skills training play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between societal structures and individual agency and stressed their transformative potential in promoting rehabilitation and reintegration. The study therefore concluded that education and vocational skills have the capacity to redefine inmates' self-perception, foster a sense of purpose, and equip them with employment skills leading to the prospects for successful reintegration into society, thereby addressing recidivism.  It is therefore recommended that the Government of Ghana, through the Ministries of Interior, and Education enhance resource allocation to support inmates’ education and vocational skills training. Furthermore, the Ghana Prison Service should foster stronger partnerships with institutions such as the University of Cape Coast, the Plan Volta, and other community-based organisations to facilitate resource sharing and coordinated efforts to support inmates’ education and skills training for positive rehabilitation outcomes.