A former Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Emeritus Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, has underscored the need to provide opportunities for all individuals, including former inmates, to reintegrate and make meaningful contributions to society.

During an interview on Channel One TV, he discussed themes from his book, Against All Odds, drawing from personal encounters that shaped his perspective on rehabilitation and inclusion.

Reflecting on his early years, he recounted growing up in an environment where he frequently interacted with individuals who had been in detention.

These experiences reinforced his belief that society should not permanently define people by their past mistakes but should instead support their reintegration.

He pointed out that former prisoners often face rejection, which hinders their ability to rebuild their lives. However, he stressed that they possess the capacity to overcome their past and become valuable members of their communities.

Describing his childhood in Koforidua, he recalled how the central barracks, which housed detainees, was located in the heart of the town. He and others regularly crossed paths with those held there, even sharing public bathhouses with them.

“We lived with those who had been on remand. We really feared nobody. The central barracks, Koforidua, was right in the middle of the town, and the cells were in the middle of the barracks.

“We saw them every day, we took our baths with them in the public bath houses. The essence is that don’t write those people [prisoners] off. They can also shine to become people of influence in society and useful to society. That is why I wrote the book,” he shared.