<<Print>>

Eighteen teenagers committed to the Senior Correctional Centre (Borstal Institute) for various offences, successfully passed their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) last year. They were constituted into a model class in 2008 by the Prison Service whilst in incarceration, and tutored to enhance their formal education whilst servicing their terms ranging from one month to three years. Following the selection of 12 of them by the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), they were discharged to continue their education in Senior High Schools (SHS) and technical institutes. The schools are Okomfo Anokye SHS, Asamankese SHS, St Paul�s SHS, Kumasi Technical Centre, among other schools. The 12 are being supported by the Action Chapel International Church and the International Central Gospel Church in the provision of their schools needs. Briefing the Times newspaper, the headmaster of the Borstal institute, DSP Constance Dokumah, said the idea of giving the boys formal education was mooted when it was realised that some of the inmates had inclination towards academic work. He said the centre which had, in the past concentrated on trades training like carpentry, auto-mechanics, welding, draughtmanship and tailoring, thought it was time to give those who wanted to undertake the grammar type education the opportunity to realise their dream. DSP Dokumah said this was in conformity with the Prison Service�s objective in taking custody of young delinquents to cater for their welfare, reformation and rehabilitation. He said since most of the inmates brought to the centre were from broken homes and lacked the desired parental affection and attachment while a number of them had been exposed to drug use and abuse. DSP Dokumah said the administration of the centre had therefore introduced the Boot Camp concept aimed at instilling in the children discipline, volunteer spirit and the need to learn something productive whilst they were in custody. He said in addition to formal education, a non-formal education programme had been started to equip those not inclined to academic work to gain proficiency in reading and numeracy. For those who did not get placement, under computer selection system, Mr. Dokumah said the centre had started a new SHS centre for them. Four of such inmates are already in the SHS while two others have been discharged with testimonial and certificate to help them on the job market. The Senior Correctional Centre was established in May 1947 to detain young persons who have fallen foul of the law. Initially, it was under the Department of Social Welfare until 1958 when the Prison Service took over its administration. With the passage of the Juvenile Justice Act of 2003, the period of commitment to the centre now ranges between one month and three years maximum. The centre which has the capacity to accommodate 200 inmates currently has 117, all boys, with an average yearly intake of about 120.