Trade Ministry backs use of creative arts to rehabilitate prison inmates

The Ghana Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has praised the Ghana Prisons Service for leveraging creative arts to enhance inmates' skills, facilitate their rehabilitation, and equip them with economic opportunities upon release. Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi, speaking on behalf of Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, emphasized that creative arts could enable inmates to uncover their talents, restore confidence, and acquire skills essential for their reintegration into society.

During the opening of the inaugural Director-General and Adehyee's Art Exhibition, Ahi highlighted the significance of art in fostering human dignity, mutual understanding, and personal transformation. He stressed that correctional facilities should aim to provide inmates with practical avenues for personal growth and economic autonomy, rather than merely maintaining custody.

Ahi also acknowledged the potential of Ghana's creative arts sector to create job opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship, and contribute to the nation's development. He advocated for making art exhibitions involving inmates sustainable platforms for talent identification, attracting private-public partnerships, and connecting their works to commercial markets.