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.

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