News
K’si Central Prison inmates show prowess at AshantiFest 2025
Soap, slippers, beads, kente cloth, and other handcrafted goods made by inmates of the Kumasi Central Prisons took a centre stage during this year’s Ashanti Festival/AshantiFest, a celebration that also highlighted major challenges facing the overpopulated correctional facility.
Held last Thursday, the fourth day of AshantiFest was dedicated to the Kumasi Central Prison, which hosted the event on prison grounds.
Amoakohene with some of the Prisons
Officers at Ashantifest
As part of the festival, inmates exhibited a wide range of products they had made through vocational training programmes aimed at reforming and equipping them for life after incarceration.
The public turned out in numbers to purchase the products, which included liquid soap, slippers, bags, kente cloth, and beads. Prison officers also entertained guests with vibrant jama songs and live band performances.
Amid the cultural display, Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, announced that the government was considering relocating the Kumasi Central Prison from its current site in Adum.
Built in 1901 and last expanded in 1935 to hold 500 inmates, the facility now houses nearly 2,000 — creating severe overcrowding and health concerns.
Dr. Amoakohene explained that the relocation would allow for improved infrastructure and the expansion of training facilities to support inmate rehabilitation.
“This fits into the government’s ‘Feed the Country’ programme, allowing us to not only reform inmates but also contribute to food production and national development,” he said.
Kumasi Central Prisons Commander, DDP, James B. Mwinyelle, urged the public to support reformed inmates and help them reintegrate into society.
“All the inmates here will one day leave the four walls of this prison,” he said. “Let’s not discriminate against them when they do,” he stated.
He also appealed for private sector partnerships to scale up training initiatives.
“We produce FDA-approved sachet water and run several skills programmes. With support, we can do more to ensure inmates leave here with employable skills,” he added.
As part of the event, medical screening was provided for inmates, while MTN and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital held a blood donation drive.
Donors encouraged Ghanaians to participate in similar exercises to save lives.
Moreover, the Ashanti Regional Minister also shared recent improvements to the prison’s health centre, including a new roof, tiling, air conditioning, and medical equipment.
AshantiFest, spearheaded by Dr. Amoakohene, aims to promote Ashanti culture, boost the local economy through support for locally made products, and help revive the Kumawood movie industry.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The Police have arrested two suspects, including the alleged gang leader, in connection with the robbery attack on the Berekum Chelsea football team that resulted in the death of one of the players.
According to a Police update, the arrests were made after intelligence-led operations by security personnel.
One of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds during an exchange of fire with the police.
He has since been taken to a hospital where he is receiving medical treatment, while the other suspect remains in police custody assisting with investigations.
The Police indicated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang linked to the attack.
They assured the public that more details will be provided as investigations progress.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Brazzaville to attend the investiture ceremony of Denis Sassou N’Guesso.
The ceremony follows the re-election of President Sassou N’Guesso for another five year term as leader of the Republic of the Congo.
President Mahama travelled to Brazzaville shortly after launching his Free Primary Healthcare Programme in Dodowa.
He is expected to return to Accra after the ceremony scheduled for Thursday morning.
By: Jacob Aggrey
