Ankaful: The Youth Employment Agency (YEA), in partnership with the Ghana Prisons Service, has held a pass-out ceremony for the inaugural batch of Prison Service Assistants under its security module. This event, hosted at the Prison Service Training School in Ankaful, represents a significant step in the government's strategy to create employment for the youth while enhancing national security.
According to Ghana News Agency, a total of 890 young men and women from an expected 5000 recruits completed an intensive three-week training program. This training covered various aspects of prison operations, security drills, human rights, discipline, and crisis management. Recruited by YEA, these trainees were attached to the Ghana Prisons Service to support ongoing reforms and increase manpower within the Service. The new assistants will engage in correctional activities at different prison centers nationwide, with more batches set to pass out in the coming weeks.
Mr. Malik Basintale, Chief Executive Officer of YEA, praised the graduates for their determination and dedication during the training. He emphasized that the initiative aims not only to provide job opportunities for the youth but also to contribute to national development. "Through this partnership, YEA is not only creating jobs but also empowering the Ghana Prisons Service with the needed manpower to deliver on its mandate of safe custody, rehabilitation, and reformation of inmates," he stated. Mr. Basintale also highlighted that the recruits would help mitigate staffing challenges within the Service.
The CEO urged the graduates to maintain discipline, integrity, and professionalism in their duties to honor both the President and Ghana. Mr. Lawrence Ozor Lamptey from the Greater Accra Region received recognition as the overall best Prisons Service Assistant. Representing his peers, he expressed gratitude to YEA and the Ghana Prisons Service for the opportunity and pledged their commitment to serving the nation and contributing to the transformation of the Prisons Service.
The ceremony drew dignitaries from the government, security agencies, and families of the graduates, who witnessed demonstrations in drills, parade, and security maneuvers by the newly passed-out officers. It was attended by chiefs, security officers, and other dignitaries from the Central Region.
The YEA-Prisons Service initiative forms part of the government's wider youth employment drive, which includes modules such as community policing, health assistance, and other essential services.
