The Central Regional Command of the Ghana Prisons Service paid an official visit to Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) on Monday, May 4, 2026, to strengthen collaboration and discuss the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at corrections, research, and rehabilitation.

The visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the Service to develop strategic partnerships with the University to enhance professional training, policy development, and inmate rehabilitation programmes.

At a meeting held in the University’s Council Chamber, the Registrar, Dr. Anthony H. Turkson, formally welcomed the delegation and introduced the CCTU team led by Professor Eric Awere, Dean of the School of Engineering, who chaired the meeting on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.

In his remarks, Professor Eric Awere expressed appreciation for the visit and underscored the importance of bridging the gap between academia and the correctional system. He noted that such collaboration would provide a valuable platform for research-driven solutions to challenges within the prisons sector.

Other members of the CCTU team included Professor Ben Ebo Attom, Dean of International Programmes and Institutional Linkages; Dr. Richmond Yeboah, Vice Dean of International Programmes and Institutional Linkages; Dr. Gabriel Mwinkume, Coordinator for Competency-Based Training; Dr. Rita Esi Ampiaw, Assistant Coordinator for Competency-Based Training; Ms. Barbara Obeng-Dwamena, Public Relations Officer; and Miss Dorcas Nyarkoa, Administrator at the Vice-Chancellor’s Secretariat.

In response, the Central Regional Commander and Officer in Charge of the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison, DDP Joseph Asabere, expressed gratitude to the University’s leadership for the warm reception and highlighted the importance of institutional support in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

He reiterated that correctional facilities were not solely responsible for the safe custody of inmates but also played a critical role in their rehabilitation and reintegration, which required a collective effort from all sectors of society. He further noted that an MoU with CCTU was expected to facilitate structured programmes that would benefit both officers and inmates.

Key areas of discussion included joint research initiatives, staff training and capacity development, as well as the introduction of educational programmes within correctional facilities. Both parties welcomed the initiative and expressed strong interest in formalising the partnership.

Other officers present from the Command included CSP Vincent Ziniel, Head of Business Development and Special Initiatives; Superintendent David Batule Koffie, Head of Public Relations for the Central Region; DSP Joseph Addo-Dankwa, Secretary to the Regional Commander; ASP Rebecca Ashalley, member of the Business Development and Special Initiatives Unit; and Corporal George Addo, member of the Public Relations Team.

The visit concluded on a positive note with a mutual commitment to establishing a strategic partnership aimed at promoting education and training, innovation, rehabilitation, and enhanced correctional practices at the Central Regional Prisons Command.

Source: Directorate of Public Affairs