In an exciting development for youth employment in Ghana, the first batch of Prison Assistant applicants from the Essikado-Ketan Constituency has commenced training at the Nsawan Prisons School in the Eastern Region. The program, launched at 9:00 AM WAT on Monday, September 29, 2025, marks a significant step toward fulfilling President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to combat youth unemployment, with transportation and food fully covered for the aspiring officers.

The training initiative, a collaborative effort between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and the Ghana Prisons Service, began with an orientation session attended by local leaders, YEA officials, and community representatives. The applicants, drawn from Essikado-Ketan—a constituency represented by Hon. Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah, Deputy Minister of Health—were selected as part of a broader recruitment drive to bolster the Prisons Service’s manpower. The Nsawan Prisons School, known for its rigorous training programs, will equip these young individuals with the skills needed to support inmate rehabilitation and security.

Supporting Mahama’s Vision

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This effort aligns with President Mahama’s commitment to creating job opportunities for Ghana’s youth, a pledge central to his administration’s agenda following his return to power. The provision of transportation and food reflects the government’s investment in ensuring accessibility and support for trainees, mirroring similar initiatives under the YEA’s security module. Recent reports indicate that the YEA, in partnership with the Ghana Prisons Service, held a pass-out ceremony for its maiden batch of Prison Service Assistants on September 25, 2025, signaling the program’s momentum.

The initiative ties into Mahama’s flagship Adwumawura Programme, which aims to facilitate the creation of 10,000 businesses annually, and the National Apprenticeship Program, designed to train young people in diverse skills ranging from trades to public service roles. These programs are part of a broader strategy to address the unemployment crisis, with the Prisons Service recruitment seen as a practical step toward integrating youth into meaningful employment.

Community and Official Response

Local leaders in Essikado-Ketan have praised the initiative, with some attributing its success to the advocacy of Hon. Dr. Ayensu Danquah, a prominent figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a vocal supporter of Mahama’s policies. A community elder remarked, “This is a lifeline for our youth, and we thank the President for this opportunity.” YEA officials echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the trainees are poised to contribute to the transformation of the Prisons Service, aligning with national goals of rehabilitation and reintegration.

With youth unemployment remaining a pressing challenge in Ghana, this training program offers a beacon of hope for constituents in Essikado-Ketan and beyond. It reflects a growing trend of government-backed employment schemes, though critics question the long-term sustainability of such initiatives amid economic constraints. Nonetheless, the full coverage of logistics for trainees underscores a tangible commitment to Mahama’s promises.

The commencement of training for the first batch of Prison Assistant applicants from Essikado-Ketan Constituency at Nsawan Prisons School on September 29, 2025, marks a significant milestone in President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment. Supported by the Adwumawura and National Apprenticeship Programs, this initiative not only creates jobs but also strengthens the Ghana Prisons Service. As the nation watches this program unfold, gratitude flows toward Mr. President for delivering on his vision.