Rename Ghana Prisons Service to Ghana Correctional Service – KNUST Vice-Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Christian Agyare, has proposed a renaming of the Ghana Prisons Service to the Ghana Correctional Service.
He believes the current name carries a punitive connotation that focuses largely on incarceration, while a correctional model better reflects modern global best practices centred on reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.
According to him, such a paradigm shift in name and mandate would reposition the Service as an institution focused on transforming lives rather than merely punishing offenders.
Prof. Agyare envisions that the move will open doors for more support from academia, industry, development partners and the general public.
He noted that a correctional identity would make it easier to attract collaboration for skills training, education, healthcare and agricultural projects that equip inmates for a productive life after serving their sentences.
He made the call on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during a brief meeting with the Ashanti Regional Prisons Commander, who doubles as the Officer-In-Charge of the Kumasi Central Prison, Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) James B. Mwinyelle (Ing.), at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Hall.
During the meeting, the Commander presented the Vice-Chancellor with a Proposal for Support for the Kumasi Central Prison, which included components on Inmate Skills Training, Inmate Health (Basic Medicine), and Agriculture (Aquaculture).
DDP Mwinyelle expressed appreciation for the Vice-Chancellor’s earlier visit and wished for a lasting collaboration.
He also assured him of the Prisons Administration’s effort towards the renaming of the Service.
The Regional Commander’s delegation included the Regional Public Relations Officer, CSP Richard M. Bukari, Supt. Ernestina Essien (Physician Assistant), and Sgt. Wisdom C. Arthur.
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