The College of Distance Education, CODE, University of Cape Coast in collaboration with Plan Volta Foundation has called for support to ensure the continuous success of the academic support initiative which extends degree programmes to the prisons.
In an interview on ATLFM’s Mantew Mu Nsem on April 2, 2025, Prof. Anokye Mohammed Adam, the Provost of CODE spoke about the success of the initiative, awarding bachelor’s degree to 63 inmates at the Nsawan Medium Security Prison in the Eastern Region on March 27, 2025.
The provost noted that the initiative was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Plan Volta Foundation and the Ghana Prison Service and continued till the recent graduation of the inmates at Nsawam.
He explained that the initiative was birthed at a time when Plan Volta Foundation proposed a transformative idea to the College in 2019 to take education into the walls of our prisons.
“At that time, we had the invaluable support of Prof. Isaac K. Galyuon, who served as the Provost, and Prof. Ghartey Ampiah, the then Vice Chancellor. With their endorsement, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Plan Volta Foundation and the Ghana Prison Service, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking partnership. Since then, we have made significant strides,” he said.
The graduated cohorts included 58 males and 5 females who undertook academic programmes while being incarcerated.
Explaining the criteria process that characterized the selection of inmates for the 4-year programme, Prof. Anokye Mohammed Adam indicated that participants were selected based on the university’s standard admission requirements, with a focus on individuals who were not serving life sentences.
Additionally, he said they recognized the diverse educational backgrounds of the inmates—from those with primary education to others who had already attained secondary, diploma, or even advanced qualifications prior to their incarceration.
Prince Solomon Stuff, President of the Plan Volta Foundation spoke on the opportunities of the initiative to these inmates as one that would reshape their mindsets. He was confident that they would be equipped with entrepreneurial skills and knowledge for a fresh start.
He emphasized that efforts are being made to ensure the reformed inmates have a smooth transition into society including equal employment opportunities.
“In a remarkable show of support, the university has offered scholarships for some of these graduates to pursue master’s degrees”, he said, “Furthermore, we’ve engaged government officials to advocate for equal employment opportunities for these reformed individuals. We are also in talks with private employers and organizations to open their doors to them.”
The president called for support as they plan to monitor and oversee the implementation of other phases of the project, and continue the smooth running of the initiative to the benefit of all.
“We are excited to announce that Phase Two of the initiative is on the horizon, where we aim to extend this educational programme to other prisons across the country. In Phase Three, we plan to introduce vocational training, equipping inmates with practical skills that will empower them for self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.”
The Graduation
The University of Cape Coast conferred undergraduate degrees on 63 inmates under the Prison Inmates Tertiary Education Programme (PITEP) held at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons.
The congregation, which is the first of its kind in Ghana, saw the award of Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Commerce degrees to persons either serving their sentences or had been discharged.
Delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s address, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto stated that the congregation signified a turning point in the lives of the inmates, giving them hope for a brighter future.
According to him, the tertiary education programme for inmates proved that access to education remained a right and not a privilege even for persons in incarceration.
“Today we gather to celebrate an extraordinary journey and milestone of transformation, hope, and educational empowerment. The distance education programme at the Nsawam prison stands very tall as a testament to the profound belief that education is not a privilege confined by walls, but a fundamental right that can illuminate even the darkest of circumstances. Who would have imagined that within the walls of a correctional facility, degrees would have been earned, futures would have been redefined, and hope to be rekindled?”
Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, DDGP 3 Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie Esquire, emphasized the Prisons’ Service commitment to ensuring the reformation of inmates.
She assured that the prison directorates are “more than ready to facilitate every possible opportunity that will make our inmates better than they came in.”
We are surely going to draw strategies which shall smoothly interface with government programmes for the total reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of our inmates,” she continued.
Addressing the gathering, the valedictorian, Mr. Matthew Milluzieh, with a CGPA of 3.8 said they aspire to contribute meaningfully to society, proving that rehabilitation and reformation through education is the way forward.
According to him, investing in the education of inmates is an investment in a safer, more productive society, expressing hope that the graduation “will mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter future.”
The Prison Inmates Tertiary Education Programme was birthed through the collaborative efforts of the Ghana Prisons Service, the College of Distance Education (CoDE) of the University of Cape Coast and the Plan Volta Foundation.
Of the 63 graduates, 3 obtained first class honours, 13 obtained second class upper, 28 obtained second class lower, 10 obtained third class and nine obtained passes.
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Source: Afote Asomdwoe Laryea & Benedicta Kartey/ATLFMNEWS
