SUNYANI CENTRAL PRISON COMMISSIONS CAR WASH AND VULCANISING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE TO PROMOTE INMATE REHABILITATION

The Sunyani Central Prison has commissioned a Car Wash and Vulcanising Skills Development Centre to provide inmates with practical vocational skills and prepare them for life after prison.

The facility, which was commissioned on Friday, 30th October 2026, at the forecourt of the prison, forms part of the Ghana Prisons Service’s Think Prisons 360 Degrees initiative, which focuses on rehabilitation, skills development, empowerment and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

The project was made possible through the support of Mr Eric Kumi, a philanthropist, contractor and Chief Executive Officer of Erikama Enterprise, whose generosity and commitment to inmate rehabilitation have contributed to the establishment of the centre.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Officer-in-Charge of Sunyani Central Prison and Regional Commander for Bono, Ahafo and Bono East Regions, Director of Prisons (DOP) Thompson Otsyokpo, expressed his appreciation to Mr Kumi for his support and belief in the potential of inmates to turn their lives around.

He noted that initiatives of this nature provide inmates with opportunities to acquire useful skills that can help them earn a living and become responsible members of society after their release.

DOP Otsyokpo also expressed gratitude to GCB Bank for supporting the project through the drilling of a borehole to ensure a reliable water supply for the washing bay. He further acknowledged Madam Mariam Aziz, a sign-language interpreter to the President, for donating an overhead water storage tank to support the operations of the facility.

In his remarks, the sponsor Mr. Kumi explained his decision to support the project was motivated by the desire to contribute to the rehabilitation of inmates and equip them with practical skills that would be useful to them after release. He encouraged the inmates to take advantage of the opportunity, remain committed to learning and make good use of the skills they would require.

Delivering a message on behalf of the Bono Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Mbo, an Assistant Director at the Bono Regional Coordinating Council(RCC), thanked Mr Kumi for choosing to invest in the lives of inmates, a section of society that is often overlooked.

He commended the sponsor for recognising the importance of giving inmates a second chance and praised the Think Prisons 360 Degrees initiative for its focus on rehabilitation and empowerment. He also congratulated the Bono Regional Command for the initiative, describing it as a positive step towards preparing inmates for a better future.

The Sunyani Central Prison Car wash and Vulcanizing Skills Development Centre will provide practical training in car washing, vehicle cleaning and detailing, tyre repairs and other vulcanising services. Through the training, inmates are expected to acquire skills that will enable them to seek employment or establish their own businesses after their release.