75% OF PRISON INMATES IN KUMASI CENTRAL PRISON CATEGORIZED AS YOUTH, AN ALARMING SITUATION.l,DDP JAMES B.

Kumasi Central Prison was established in 1901 by colonial masters to accommodate 500 inmates, but due to congestion, the inmate population has grown to 1,600.

According to a report from the Kumasi Central Prison, 65% to 75% of the inmates are youth, which will negatively impact the country’s labor force and productivity.

In order to decongest and reduce the rate of youth crime in the various prisons, the Ashanti Regional Prison Command has initiated an outreach sensitization program in the region’s senior high schools to educate students on offenses that can result in imprisonment.

In recent months, concerns about instances of indiscipline in Ghanaian schools, particularly in senior high schools (SHS), have been growing.

These concerns are reflected in reports of increased disciplinary cases, as well as a survey finding that a significant percentage of students have experienced or witnessed bullying and assault, both of which can result in imprisonment.

The command’s outreach to Kumasi Anglican Senior High School students reveals activities that contribute to committing an offense.

Speaking to uniquenewsgh, Ashanti Regional Commander of Prison Service DDP James B. Mwinyelle says the surge in youth population in Kumasi Central Prison is alarming and requires immediate measures to reduce crime rates.

The Assistance Headmaster of Administration of Kumasi Anglican Senior High School Mr. Samuel Owusu Afriyie admitted to the fact that indiscipline of students nowadays is overwhelming and can result in many students going to prison.

He commended the command’s initiative to reduce crime and indiscipline acts in various senior high schools as well as in the society as a whole.

By Enock Baffoe/uniquenewsgh.com