Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi, speaking for Minister Elizabeth Ofosu‑Adjare, lauded the Ghana Prisons Service for integrating creative arts into its rehabilitation programme. He said the initiative helps inmates rediscover talents, rebuild confidence and acquire skills that will support reintegration into society.
Ahi made the remarks as the special guest of honour at the maiden Director‑General and Adehyee’s Art Exhibition, where he highlighted art’s role in promoting human dignity, mutual understanding and personal transformation. He urged correctional facilities to move beyond custody and provide practical opportunities for personal development and economic independence.
He also pointed to the potential of Ghana’s creative arts industry to generate employment, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to national development. Ahi called for art exhibitions involving inmates to become sustainable platforms for identifying talent, attracting public‑private partnerships and connecting their works to commercial markets.
Director‑General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs Patience Baffoe‑Bonnie, said the exhibition aligned with the Service’s “Think Prisons 360 Degrees” philosophy, which seeks to transform the institution from a custodial system into one focused on rehabilitation, development and sustainability. The initiative is part of wider efforts to use skills training and creative arts to support inmate reformation and reintegration.
The Deputy Minister urged the public to look beyond past mistakes of incarcerated persons, avoid stigmatising them and recognise their dignity and capacity to contribute productively to society.
