Rev. Mrs. Superintendent Stella Ama Anku Katso, the Ashanti Regional Chaplain for Prisons, has called on society to play a more active role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners, emphasizing that support from families and communities is crucial in preventing reoffending.
Speaking at an outreach program at Kumasi Central Prison, where True Faith Church International (Edwinase Hilltop branch) provided food and spiritual guidance to 150 inmates, Rev. Katso stressed that prisons should be seen as places of correction rather than condemnation. She urged the public to shift their perception of inmates, recognizing them as individuals with the potential to reform and contribute meaningfully to society.
Rev. Katso highlighted that many prisoners are abandoned by their families, leaving them emotionally and psychologically vulnerable. This neglect, she warned, often leads to a cycle where released prisoners, having no support system, return to criminal activities.
“When inmates are rejected by their families, they are left with little choice but to seek shelter and companionship in the same environment that led them to prison,” she said. “But if we embrace them, offer guidance, and support their reintegration, they can rebuild their lives and become responsible citizens.”
She urged families to maintain contact with their incarcerated relatives by visiting them, providing essential supplies, and offering moral encouragement.
Rev. Katso also reminded the public that incarceration is not limited to a specific group of people. She emphasized that a single mistake, a misunderstanding, or even false accusations could lead to imprisonment, making it imperative for society to show empathy rather than judgment.
“One wrong decision, an unfortunate circumstance, or a misjudgment can put anyone behind bars. That’s why we must be careful with our choices, friendships, and actions,” she said.
Beyond family involvement, Rev. Katso called on religious organizations, corporate bodies, and individuals to actively contribute to prisoner rehabilitation programs. She commended True Faith Church International for its continuous support, urging other institutions to follow suit by organizing skill training programs, mentorship initiatives, and employment opportunities for ex-convicts.
She reiterated that ensuring the successful reintegration of former inmates is a collective responsibility.
“A prisoner today could be your colleague, neighbor, or even a family member tomorrow. How we treat them now determines whether they return to society as reformed individuals or fall back into crime,” she concluded.
The outreach event ended on a hopeful note, with inmates receiving not just meals but also words of encouragement and prayers, reinforcing the importance of emotional and spiritual support in their journey toward rehabilitation.
