FOLIG donates books, proposes major library reforms in prisons

Friends of Libraries in Ghana (FOLIG),a non-governmental organization,dedicated to promoting literacy, improving access to educational resources, and strengthening library services in underserved communities across Ghana is partnering the Ghana Prisons Service with the aim of strengthening prison library programmes across the country.

The initial steps to roll-out library projects in the prisons,have started with working visits by officials of FOLIG to the Mamobi Juvenile Correctional Centre and the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons. Mr Peter Anafo, Founder and Project Lead has led a Team to visit the two facilities.

Following an earlier visit and engagement with the officers at the Mamobi Juvenile Correctional Centre,the team has visited the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons and donated   books, including novels, textbooks on management, social work, and calculus, as well as motivational literature and a full set of a military encyclopedia. The donation is expected to support both recreational reading and academic development among inmates.

The FOLIG team was received by the Officer in Charge at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) Patrick Thomas Seidu and his team who conducted them round the prison’s educational facilities and the library which is opened to the inmates.

Troubling State of Library Facilities

The two teams recognized that the library has challenges including poor infrastructure with inadequate furniture, lighting, poor ventilation, outdated and damaged books with limited relevance to current educational needs. Other issues identified include lack of cataloguing systems, making it difficult to access materials efficiently and with only one outdated computer without essential devices like printers or scanners. The library currently accommodates only about 12 users at a time, highlighting severe capacity constraints.

Proposed Reforms and Innovations

Mr Anafo revealed that FOLIG has outlined a series of short, medium, and long-term interventions to transform the facility into a modern learning hub by converting part of the prison’s ICT centre which is equipped with about 20 computers into a functional e-library, enabling digital learning and research.

Focus on Inmate Education

FOLIG’s agenda for the Nsawam Medium Security targets supporting inmates enrolled in distance education programmes, particularly those affiliated with the University of Cape Coast to help them in improving research skills, academic writing, referencing, and digital literacy.

At the Mamobi Juvenile Correctional Centre,FOLIG aims to construct a more spacious library and like the Nsawam Medium Security Prison,to get the Installation of durable furniture, improved lighting, and ventilation systems, introduce simple cataloguing systems, with long-term plans for digital migration with the deployment of refurbished computers and open-source library software.

FOLIG officials described the initiative as part of a broader effort to reposition prison libraries as centres for rehabilitation and personal development.

Appreciation

DDP Patrick Thomas Seidu,on behalf of the Prisons Service expressed appreciation to FOLIG for extending a hand to bring innovation into the opportunities for inmates in Ghana’s prisons who are interested in living their academic dreams to achieve them.

Rehabilitation Through Education

Prison authorities have welcomed the collaboration, noting that education remains one of the most effective tools for rehabilitation.

If implemented successfully, the Nsawam project could serve as a blueprint for prison library development nationwide—turning correctional facilities into centres of learning and personal transformation rather than mere detention.

Call for Partners

FOLIG is now appealing to corporate bodies, educational institutions, and development partners to support the initiative through donations of books, ICT equipment, and infrastructure upgrades.

Post Views: 28