Sixty-three inmates at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison have earned undergraduate degrees from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) through its College of Distance Education (CoDE), marking a major step in using education for rehabilitation.
Among them, three achieved First Class honors in Bachelor of Education (JHS Education), while ten secured Second Class Upper. The top graduate, Mathew Milluzieh, stood out with an impressive CGPA of 3.8.
The cohort comprised 58 men and five women, all demonstrating resilience in their pursuit of knowledge despite incarceration.
Recognizing their efforts, UCC announced scholarships for those wishing to pursue master’s degrees after serving their sentences.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, commended the graduates for their determination. He highlighted the nearly ¢2.5 million investment by UCC in tuition waivers, tutor support, and study materials, ensuring inmates are not deprived of 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,” Prof. Boampong told the graduates.
He also urged government agencies, businesses, and NGOs to contribute towards expanding the initiative to correctional facilities across the country.
Deputy Minister of the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, applauded UCC’s commitment to prisoner rehabilitation, assuring continued government support. He encouraged the graduates to view their degrees as a pathway to new opportunities.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, hailed the graduates as pioneers, reaffirming the service’s dedication to equipping inmates with skills for reintegration.
“You now have the opportunity to be changemakers, leaders, and role models,” she said.
Prince Solomon, President of the Plan Volta Foundation, called on the National Identification Authority (NIA) to provide Ghana Cards to graduating inmates, enabling them to undertake national service post-release. He further urged the government to consider automatic employment for those with education degrees.
“We are yet to receive government support for this programme, but we urge authorities to step in and help sustain it,” he emphasized.
