He said even though the prison service was the officially mandated institution to manage and reform prisoners, there was the need for all stakeholders to contribute their quota towards strengthening the institution in order for it to achieve what was expected of it.

Mr Tagoe was speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate a library for the inmates of the Kumasi Central Prisons.

The construction of the library and the stock of books which cost GH¢50,000 were undertaken by Second Chance Prison Ministry International.

Literature in the library include motivational books, Bibles and other Christian books.

The library is aimed at helping the inmates to read well and to help them get closer to God by reading God’s word.

The Regional Commander of Prisons urged the inmates to get themselves busy by visiting the library regularly.

Mr Tagoe commended the leadership of the Second Chance Prison Ministry International for the gesture.

The President of the Second Chance Prison Ministry International, Mr Ken Mensah, said the nation’s prisons should not be dumping grounds for criminals but must rather be a place of reformation and skill acquisition.

He urged inmates to reflect on their lives and plan on what to do after serving their jail terms.

Mr Mensah said the word of God was the only way by which people could be changed to become better permanently.

He announced that his ministry would soon establish a library in the Nsawam Prisons and in other prisons nationwide so that prisoners would have access to books to improve their lives.

He expressed concern about the stigmatisation suffered by prisoners and added that it made it difficult for them to be accepted by their families and society in general.