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Rev. Mrs. Superintendent Stella Ama Anku Katso, the Ashanti Regional Chaplain for Prisons and Founder of Amenuve Outreach Ministry, has urged Ghanaians to extend love, compassion, and support to ex-convicts, highlighting the importance of assisting them in their successful reintegration into society. This heartfelt appeal was made during a special church service and feeding program organized for inmates at the Kumasi Central Prison.
The event, which saw over 1,700 inmates in attendance, aimed to provide both spiritual guidance and material support. In addition to the church service, which included moments of reflection and prayer, the inmates were treated to meals as a gesture meant to uplift their spirits and foster a sense of belonging.
In her address, Rev. Mrs. Katso emphasized that reintegration is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of not only the government but also families, communities, and society at large. She stressed the essential role Ghanaians must play in ensuring that ex-convicts are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives. “Reintegration is not just the responsibility of the state; it requires the collective effort of all of us,” she said.
Following the service, Rev. Mrs. Katso explained that many of the inmates had already paid their dues by serving their time and atoning for their mistakes, and thus deserve a second chance. “They have already served their sentences. As a society, we must allow them the opportunity to start anew. Rejecting them only pushes them back into a life of crime,” she remarked. She called on Ghanaians to embrace these individuals with love, understanding, and support, as this would be essential to their successful reintegration into society.
The Chaplain also highlighted the critical importance of rehabilitation within the justice system. She emphasized that it is not enough for individuals to simply serve time behind bars. Rehabilitation, she argued, should provide the necessary resources, guidance, and opportunities to help former prisoners rebuild their lives and become productive members of society. “We must not define ex-convicts solely by their past mistakes,” she said. “They deserve a chance to change and contribute positively to the community.”
Rev. Mrs. Katso also appealed to families and communities to play an active role in supporting ex-convicts during their reintegration. She acknowledged that families and social networks are often the first line of support and guidance, which are essential for helping individuals transition back into society successfully.
Additionally, the Chaplain reminded Ghanaians to cherish and protect the peace the country enjoys. “We should value the peace we have and do everything we can to maintain it. We must also ensure that we do not end up in prison ourselves by making wise choices and prioritizing peace,” she added.
The church service and meal program at the Kumasi Central Prison are part of an ongoing initiative to provide both spiritual and practical support to incarcerated individuals in Ghana. Religious organizations, working in partnership with prison authorities, continue to play a significant role in supporting the rehabilitation of prisoners and preparing them for life after incarceration.
For many of the inmates, the event provided a much-needed boost to their morale, reminding them that they are not forgotten by society. The kindness shown by Rev. Mrs. Katso and the community plays a crucial role in helping ex-convicts reintegrate with dignity and purpose.
Rev. Mrs. Katso’s message serves as a powerful reminder that a truly just society embraces second chances, offering love and support to those who seek to rebuild their lives. Her appeal calls on Ghanaians to reflect on how they can contribute to the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of ex-convicts into their communities.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
