Kumasi Central Prisons to harness inmate skills in sachet, bottled water production
Located within the prison barracks in Adum, Kumasi, the plant operates under strict hygienic conditions and is run by inmates alongside prison officers.
In a bold step toward inmate rehabilitation and skill development, the Kumasi Central Prisons has launched a water production facility aimed at preparing prisoners for life after incarceration. The facility, which produces both sachet and bottled water, has been approved and accredited by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for commercial distribution.
Located within the prison barracks in Adum, Kumasi, the plant operates under strict hygienic conditions and is run by inmates alongside prison officers. The initiative forms part of a wider prison service programme designed to provide inmates with vocational training and real-world experience that could support their reintegration into society after release.
James B. Mwinyelle, Deputy Director of Prisons and Ashanti Regional Commander of Prisons, explained that the project is not just a rehabilitation tool, but also a source of revenue that is reinvested into expanding facilities and training more inmates.
“All our workshops are designed to impart skills and generate income. The earnings from this water project are being used to expand the facility so that more inmates can benefit,” he said.
Beyond water production, Kumasi Central Prisons has also developed a vegetable farm that supplies fresh produce to the prison kitchen, helping to supplement the food supply for inmates while offering agricultural training as part of the rehabilitation programme.
Officials hope that by equipping inmates with employable skills, such initiatives will help reduce recidivism and foster smoother transitions back into society.
