The Accra Prison Officers Training School (POTS) has graduated 493 recruits in total.
208 women and 285 men made up the recruits of Course 123 who underwent nine months of training.
They were prepared for a successful career in jail management by their training on a physical, mental, and social level.
Carpenters, masons, plumbers, and mechanics were among the recruits, who came from a variety of professional and occupational backgrounds.
Others held higher national diplomas and diplomas in a variety of fields, including teaching, nursing, agriculture, and secretarial work.
They organized a colorful parade at the Friday passing out event at POTS in Accra, which was reviewed by Deputy Interior Minister Naana Eyiah Quansah.
The officers displayed well-rehearsed marching skills at the brief but fascinating ceremony.
Mrs Quansah charged the recruits to let discipline and professionalism guide them in their duties at all times.
“Adopt the principles of vigilance, humility and respect in the discharge of your duties,” she added.
The deputy minister also urged them to treat prisoners with care, respect and decency without compromising on their professional ethics.
“Bear in mind that imprisonment is punishment in itself and not for you to further punish them. Direct your energies towards self-improvement and avoid all acts of indiscipline to safeguard your career,” Mrs Quansah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, added.
She said the service played a crucial role in ensuring the rehabilitation and re-integration of citizens who found themselves on the wrong side of the law.
“To truly serve its purpose, the service requires considerable investment in capacity building,” the deputy minister added.
Mrs Quansah further said that the government was committed to the upgrading of the prison system through technology to improve efficiency and transparency.
In order to improve the overall management and security of our jails, she said, "it is indeed high time we introduced computerized record-keeping systems, biometric identification, and security surveillance."
However, the deputy minister pleaded with civil society organizations to assist the service with funding and knowledge in order to support the government's efforts.
Officer Isaac Ahor-Larbie won the prize for being the overall best recruit officer out of five officers who stood out.
The Commandant's Award went to Frank Kyeremateng, Best in Physical Training went to Bernard Botchway N. Yeboah, Best in Drill went to Joel Kwame Ampadu-Bosompem, and Best in Academics went to Esther Larbi.
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