The Chief Director, Ministry of Interior, Adelaide Annor-Kumi, has charged the Recruit Course 119 graduating officers of the Ghana Prison Service to abide by rules, regulations that pertain to their official duties and treat prisoners humanely as per the international protocols and standards they have signed up to.
According to her, reforming these individuals to become productive and law abiding citizens is no mean a tasks.
Speaking at the passing out parade of Recruit Course 119 on Friday at the Prison Officers' Training School in Accra, she said "To the graduating recruit officers, I must mention that your enlistment is a great boost to the staff strength and operational capacity of the Service. Do not leave the valuable instructions and training you have received here behind you as you move to your various stations. As new corp of prison officers, you must abide by the rules and regulations that pertain to your official duties, respect the human rights of prisoners and relate to them in a humane and professional manner"
She reminded the recruit officers that the Ghana Prisons Service strives on discipline and upholds the ideals of vigilance, humanity, fortitude and integrity.
She added that such principles would guide the recruit officers throughout their career if they are to succeed.
"In dealing with these group of persons (inmates) who have been deprived of their personal liberty as they face confinement, Prisons officers have to treat them humanely" she mentioned.
"Additionally, you must develop positive attitudes for the conduct of your personal lives. Wherever you are posted, make it a better place than you found it. You must work hard, avoid acts of indiscipline, and serve as good ambassadors to your fellow officers and the inmates as well. I must once again congratulate you for going through this rigorous training as officers, I say Ayekoo!!!! Once again, especially for officers who received awards for best performance in various subjects."
"The Prison Officers’ Training School, for some time now, has had a remarkably busy training calendar, but I am happy to say that the Commandant of the Prison Officers Training School and her team have stood equal to the task. I wish to use this platform to commend their efforts for the excellent turn out of the graduands which we have witnessed today. I believe they are well prepared for the task that lies ahead of them"
It is emerging that the training commenced in December, 2021 with a well-structured programme which comprised formal classroom instruction, practical exposure to the day-to-day running of prison facilities, and the management of prisoners.
The subjects studied included Reception Duties, Penal Law, Computation of inmates’ sentences, Inter-personal Skills, Prison Duties and First Aid amongst others.
The training session also included practical instruction in Drill and various Physical Training activities.
The training curricula was carefully put together to ensure that the recruit officers acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to shoulder the responsibilities that lie ahead of them.
gathered that this year's that this year's passing out ceremony is the second batch of trainees out of the six batches who benefited from Government’s initiative to augment the existing staff strength of the Ghana Prisons Service and further enhance its operational capacity.
Madam Adelaide Annor-Kumi reminded the recruit officers that the prison work is demanding adding that it involves working with men and women who have been deprived of their liberty, many of whom are likely to be mentally disturbed, suffer from addictions, have poor social and educational skills and come from marginalized groups in society.
A special mention was made to recruit officers who distinguished and performed exceptional well during their course of training.
Some well deserving recruit officers were rewarded.
The awardees included; Winner of the Commandant’s award, Recruit Officer, Sally Nelly Ackon, Best in order of Merit, Recruit Officer Dwobeng Asare Baffour and the Best in Physical Training, Recruit Officer Ebenezer Tetteh.
The others are; Best in Drill, Recruit Officer Maxwell Koomson and the Best All-Round Recruit Officer, Recruit Officer Dwobeng Asare Baffour.
A total of 464 graduands of Recruit Course 119 were duly promoted to the rank of Second Class Officers while 8 other graduands were also promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Below are some pictures:
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith