A senior prison officer at Nsawam has emphasized that it is inappropriate for Ghanaians to stigmatize inmates upon their release on bail.
According to ASP Emmanuella Akeamensah, majority of inmates face stigmatization when they are released, leading to significant psychological trauma.
She stressed that everyone is prone to becoming a prisoner, but that should not signify the end of one’s life.
Emphasizing that life continues after prison, ASP Emmanuella urged for a welcoming attitude towards released prisoners to prevent them from feeling isolated.
She cautioned that stigmatization could compel ex-prisoners to reoffend.
During a donation event by the Social Work Unit of Methodist University, ASP Emmanuella further explained the importance of welcoming released prisoners back into society.
“Anyone can end up in prison, small issue can bring you to prison but that doesn’t mean when you come to prison, that is the end of your life, there is life after prison”
“When you come here, it doesn’t mean you are condemned. If you don’t have a handy work, we take advantage and teach you one so that when you are released, you won’t reoffend.”
“When people come to prison, don’t point fingers or stigmatize them. Let’s welcome them so they won’t reoffend.”
The head of the Social Work Unit at Methodist University, Agness Tei Muno, while presenting items to the Nsawam inmates, stated that nobody should see them as condemned.
She emphasized that serving time in prison does not signify the end of their world.
She added that their school is prepared to receive any inmate ready to further their education, aiming to provide them with a better educational system after their release
Story by Mubarak Yakubu
