PRISON MINISTRY AND RECIDIVISM AMONG INMATES OF KUMASI CENTRAL PRISON

Abstract

Recidivism is a major problem faced by all countries in the world. Recidivism means a tendency to relapse into a previous behavior. In the context of this study, it is relapse into previous criminal behavior. It is on record that the United States of America has the highest incarceration rates in the world and has equally high re-offending rate. Europe, Asia and Africa have their own share in this age old problem. A qualitative approach was used to examine what input the Christian church had to make through its prison ministry work to overcome the problem of recidivism. The study was undertaken at Kumasi Central Prison in Kumasi. A sample of prison ministry evangelists, prison officers, prisoners and families of ex-offenders were used. The findings revealed that prison ministry was meeting the physical and spiritual needs of inmates. Constant bible study and teachings have led to character reformation of some hardened criminals. The regular worship and praise sessions have served to reduce the painful prison situations of loneliness, misery and frustration. Material support such as food, clothing, payment of fines, payment of hospital bills, provision of drugs and healthcare have greatly enhanced the living conditions of the prisoners. But, it was realized that the impact of prison ministry was limited to those in prison and did not extend to those that are discharged and become ex-offenders. The study revealed that ex-offenders upon discharge face challenges of inadequate support from family, are stigmatized by society, have no jobs, no incomes, no accommodation and so eventually re-offend and go back to prison. The study concludes by recommending that prison ministry must go beyond the prison walls by eliciting the active participation of family, community and society in the physical and spiritual care for the ex-offender. Further, the government must initiate collaborative activities with prison ministry work to ensuring the holistic development of the ex-offender and to avoid re-offending.