Correctional Interventions And Recidivism: A Study Of Returned Offenders In The Ankaful Prison Complex In The Central Region Of Ghana

Abstract

The study examined the nature of correctional reforms in the Ghanaian prison system and how this affects recidivism. The prison sentences pronounced on offenders of the law are meant to serve as deterrents. However, after their release from prison, some ex-prisoners continue to commit crimes and find themselves back in prison. Even though they are expected to undergo some form of training and rehabilitation programmes meant to enhance their reformation, these programmes are not reformative enough to adequately reform prisoners. The study is informed by labelling, social learning, and rational choice theories. It employed a qualitative research design in collecting data using in-depth interviews. Purposive sampling techniques were adopted to select recidivists and prison officers in the Ankaful Prison Complex. In all, a total of 21 recidivists and nine prison officers were interviewed. The study revealed that offenders commit new crimes and return to prison because prison gives them at least a feeling of survival in light of the hardships in the outside world. Also, there is no parole mechanism in the Ghanaian prison system to guarantee controlled release over time. There are inadequate rehabilitation programmes in the prisons. The study recommends that the penal system should shift its focus from punishment to rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society. This should include providing effective education and vocational training for inmates, counselling services and job placement assistance to help them successfully re-enter society after release.