Kumasi Central Prisons has selected five male inmates, aged 20–25, to sit for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which began on Wednesday, June 11. They are writing their papers at the Bantama examination centre.
This initiative highlights the Ghana Prisons Service’s commitment to rehabilitation through education. By offering inmates academic opportunities, it gives them a second chance at reintegration. This step has been widely praised as a symbol of hope and renewal.
As part of his regional tour, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, visited the inmates at Bantama. Where he applauded their determination, encouraged them to stay focused, and pledged support for their future WASSCE registration.
“I’m happy to see these inmates writing the BECE. It’s a symbol of hope for their lives,” Mr. Boadi said.
Also, the MCE’s tour took him to other exam centres, including Opoku Ware School in Nhyiaeso, Adventist SHS, Asanteman SHS in Bantama, and Serwaa Nyarko SHS in Manhyia North. At each stop, he urged students to uphold academic integrity and avoid malpractice.
He reminded them, “Your future begins today. Take the exams seriously and focus on what lies ahead.”
In total, 120,285 pupils are sitting for the BECE in the Ashanti Region, out of over 600,000 candidates nationwide. The participation of prison inmates adds a powerful layer to Ghana’s national effort to transform lives through inclusive education and second chances.
