Emeritus Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, the former Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has highlighted the significance of providing opportunities for individuals, including former prisoners, to reintegrate into society and make positive contributions. During an appearance on The Point of View on Channel One TV with Bernard Avle, Professor Adarkwa shared insights from his experiences while discussing his book, Against All Odds.
He shared his experiences growing up in an environment where he was closely involved with individuals who had been on remand. This experience shaped his views on rehabilitation and the importance of societal inclusion. He noticed that many prisoners are often overlooked by society due to the accusations made against them, which makes reintegration challenging.
However, he urged the public not to completely dismiss these individuals, highlighting that they, too, have the potential to overcome their pasts and become positive, productive members of the community. He reflected, “We lived with those who had been on remand. We really feared nobody. The central barracks in Koforidua was located right in the middle of town, and the cells were situated within the barracks.”
“We saw them every day, we took our baths with them in the public bath houses. The essence is that don’t write those people [prisoners] off. They can also shine to become people of influence in society and useful to society. That is why I wrote the book,” he shared.
By: Leticia Osei
