14 Tamale Prison inmates pass NVTI exams with 100% score under rehabilitation programme

Fourteen inmates of the Tamale Central Prison have successfully passed the National Vocational Training Institute Proficiency Grade II examinations, marking a significant milestone in ongoing rehabilitation efforts within the facility. The achievement reflects growing emphasis on skills development as a core component of prison reform in Ghana.

The inmates sat for the June 2025 examinations in five trade areas, including basketry, general electricals, shoemaking, tailoring and textiles, and hand weaving, and recorded a 100 per cent pass rate. This outcome has been widely praised as a demonstration of the effectiveness of structured training programmes within correctional institutions.

The achievement is being attributed to structured training conducted under the leadership of James K. Mbola, with support from the Centre for Social Development Reform, a Tamale-based NGO. The collaboration between prison authorities and civil society organisations has been key to delivering quality training and mentorship to inmates.

The initiative forms part of the organisation’s Prison HOPE Project, which aims to equip inmates with employable skills for life after incarceration. The project focuses on rehabilitation through education, vocational training, and personal development, helping inmates prepare for reintegration into society.

At a certificate presentation ceremony held on April 14, 2026, the Officer-in-Charge of the facility congratulated the inmates for their performance and urged them to stay away from substance abuse. He emphasised the importance of discipline and positive lifestyle choices in ensuring a successful transition after release.

He encouraged them to make full use of their newly acquired skills to secure employment opportunities and successfully reintegrate into society upon release. According to him, vocational training can serve as a pathway to self-reliance and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

The Officer-in-Charge also commended CSD Reforms and prison officers for their commitment and support in advancing rehabilitation programmes within the facility. Their efforts, he noted, have contributed significantly to improving outcomes for inmates.

The development highlights growing efforts to shift the focus of corrections in Ghana towards skills training and reintegration as a pathway to reducing recidivism and supporting social reintegration. Stakeholders say such initiatives are critical in transforming correctional facilities into centres for reform and personal development rather than mere detention.