In a remarkable step toward rehabilitation, five male inmates from the Kumasi Central Prisons are participating in the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which began on Wednesday, June 11.
The inmates, aged between 20 and 25, are sitting for the exams at the Bantama Examination Centre in the Ashanti Region. Their participation forms part of the Ghana Prisons Service’s efforts to reform and reintegrate inmates through education.
During a tour of various examination centres, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, visited the inmates and offered words of encouragement. He commended their determination and pledged support for their continued education, including assistance with registration for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
“I am happy to see these inmates writing the BECE. It’s a powerful symbol of hope and transformation,” Mr. Boadi stated.
The MCE also visited other BECE centres, including Opoku Ware School in the Nhyiaso Constituency, Adventist SHS and Asanteman SHS in Bantama, and Serwaa Nyarko SHS in Manhyia North. At each location, he urged candidates to avoid exam malpractice and remain focused on their future.
“Avoid shortcuts. Your destiny starts today — take these exams seriously,” he advised.
The Ashanti Region is hosting 120,285 candidates across 432 centres this year, forming part of the national total of over 600,000 students writing the 2025 BECE.
The involvement of inmates in the national exam is being hailed as a major milestone in prison education, promoting second chances and long-term social reintegration.