Sixty-three inmates of the Nsawam Medium Security Prison have graduated with undergraduate degrees from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) through its College of Distance Education (CoDE).
The milestone underscores the power of education as a tool for rehabilitation and second chances.
Among the graduates, three earned First Class honors in Bachelor of Education (JHS Education), while 10 secured Second Class Upper Division.
The overall best graduating student, Mathew Milluzieh, achieved an impressive CGPA of 3.8.
The graduating class included 58 males and five females, all of whom defied the odds to pursue higher education behind bars.
To encourage their academic journey, UCC announced a scholarship package for those who wish to pursue master’s degrees upon completing their prison terms.
In an address read on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong by the Pro. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, commended the graduates for their resilience, acknowledging the difficulties of studying in prison.
He revealed that UCC has invested nearly ¢2.5 million in waiving tuition fees, hiring tutors, and supplying learning materials to ensure inmates are not denied education.
“By choosing education, you are making a powerful statement about your commitment to personal growth and positive change. Past circumstances do not define future potential,” he told the graduates.
Prof. Boampong appealed to the government, corporate bodies, and NGOs to support the programme so it can be expanded to other correctional facilities nationwide.
Deputy Minister of the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, praised UCC’s initiative, stating that the government would continue to support the Ghana Prisons Service’s rehabilitation programmes.
He urged the graduates to see their degrees as a stepping stone to a better future.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, also lauded the graduates, calling them pacesetters.
She assured them that the service was committed to helping inmates climb the academic ladder, ensuring they reintegrate into society with valuable skills.
“You now have the opportunity to be changemakers, leaders, and role models,” she said.
The President of the Plan Volta Foundation, Prince Solomon, called on the National Identification Authority (NIA) to provide Ghana Cards for the graduating inmates, enabling those who have served their sentences to proceed with national service.
He also urged the government to offer automatic employment to those with education degrees so they can serve as teachers.
“We are yet to receive government support for this programme, but we urge authorities to step in and help sustain it,” he emphasised.
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