Church of Pentecost Partners with Tarkwa Local Prison to Launch Skills Acquisition Centre, Combat Recidivism

The project, funded entirely by the church at a cost of GH¢156,771, marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s prison rehabilitation efforts.Background and Vision  
For over a decade, the Tarkwa Local Prison operated a single skills training center dedicated to tailoring. However, limited space allowed only five inmates to train at a time, hindering broader rehabilitation goals. To address this, the prison administration, under retired Director of Prisons (DOP) Simon Y. Addah, sought partnerships in 2023 to expand vocational opportunities. A proposal for a carpentry and electrical workshop was submitted through the prison’s chaplain, Rev. DSP John Asare Apietu, to the Church of Pentecost, Tarkwa Area.  

Superintendent Julius Destiny Kugblenu, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, emphasized the Ghana Prison Service’s commitment to reducing recidivism. “Reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration are crucial. Equipping inmates with skills ensures they become employable and self-reliant post-release,” he stated.Funding and Construction
The church, under then-Area Head Apostle Dr. Daniel Okyere Walker (RTD), approved an initial GH¢30,000 for the project. With support from former Director-General of Prisons Isaac Kofi Egyir, a sod-cutting ceremony was held on June 12, 2024. Construction began the following day, led by a team of prison officers skilled in masonry, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.  

Apostle Dr. David Nyansah Hayfron, who assumed leadership of the church in September 2024, ensured continuity, releasing an additional GH¢126,771 to complete the facility within 10 months. “This collaboration reflects our vision to transform society through social ministries,” Hayfron remarked during an inspection visit.Church’s Vision and Societal Impact  
Apostle Walker, instrumental in initiating the project, linked the initiative to biblical teachings and the Church of Pentecost’s “Vision 2028: Possessing the Nations Agenda.” He stressed that prison ministry is central to societal transformation. “Prisons are not just correctional centers but restoration hubs. We must reform inmates and support ex-convicts to ensure lasting peace,” he said.  

Walker dismissed misconceptions about engaging with prisoners, noting that incarceration does not define criminality. Citing biblical figures like Joseph and Apostle Paul, he highlighted untapped potential within prisons. “Talents reside here. By investing in rehabilitation, we unlock opportunities for societal good.”  

Next Steps and Community Support 
The newly completed center awaits tools, with the Abosso Leaching Association fundraising to equip the workshops. Superintendent Kugblenu praised the partnership’s efficiency, noting it sets a precedent for future collaborations. A Unified Call for Reform  
The project underscores a shared belief in second chances. As Apostle Walker concluded, “When we transform inmates, we cultivate peace. This center isn’t just about skills—it’s about rebuilding lives and communities.”  

With vocational training now expanded, Tarkwa Local Prison aims to significantly reduce recidivism, offering inmates a tangible path to reintegration and self-sufficiency. The Church of Pentecost’s investment signals a growing recognition of prisons as catalysts for national renewal, aligning faith-based values with societal progress.  

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney 

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