Ghana Prisons Service to launch five industries for inmate rehabilitation

The Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) is launching five prison-based industries designed to enhance inmate rehabilitation and facilitate successful reintegration into society. Announced by Director-General Patience Baffoe-Bonnie at the 2026 Image of a Woman Conference in Accra, the initiative aims to transform existing vocational training into commercially focused operations.

The planned industries will cover tailoring, cabinetry, shoemaking, packaging, and prefabrication. The GPS intends to move beyond traditional instruction in areas like carpentry and masonry to ensure inmates can turn their skills into reliable livelihoods. To increase employment prospects and support entrepreneurship, inmates will be encouraged to acquire two or three different vocational skills.

In addition to industrial trades, the Service is introducing creative disciplines such as music, poetry, recital, and video production to align with individual talents. This industrialization plan is a component of the ‘Think Prisons 360 Degrees’ approach, which addresses incarceration challenges from prevention and rehabilitation to post-release support. The GPS is also exploring opportunities in mechanics and seeking partnerships with various businesses and stakeholders.