Improving prison security through better assessment of prisoners and prisons and effective audit systems

“Risk management is not [an individual] business … it’s for all of us. Everybody should get involved. We need to be more proactive because it helps to protect lives.”  This rallying call from participant Supt. Victory Serwah Appiah captured the spirit of a pivotal four-day workshop in Accra where Ghanaian prison officials, armed with new tools, such as the recently developed prisoner classification tool and global insights, forged a fundamental shift. To move beyond simply warehousing prisoners to implementing a smarter, rights- and evidence-based classification system and a robust system of audits. Their mission? To protect society against crime while reducing the risk of re-offending.

Hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and held at the newly refurbished Prisons Officers Training School (POTS) - upgraded with support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)- the workshop brought together prison officials and international experts to rethink prison security in Ghana critically.  Building on previous trainings, this advanced, in-depth session focused on developing a national framework for prisoner and prison classification, strengthening prison security audits to promote safety, transparency, and dignity in detention. Discussions and practical sessions spanned four core themes: prisoner classification, security levels, audit and risk management, and the development of a national framework tailored to Ghana’s context. The improved training environment provided an ideal setting for participants to engage in in-depth discussions, collaborative planning, and hands-on learning. 

Smarter Classification and Better-Defined Security Levels 

At the heart of the discussions was Ghana’s newly developed prisoner classification system, Together for Rehabilitation (T4R). This tool assesses the risks, needs, and rehabilitation potential of prisoners on an individual basis. Participants emphasised moving beyond basic categorization— actively supporting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and maintaining institutional order for an effective classification model.

Participants also explored global classification models and discussed their relevance to Ghana’s context, alongside practical steps for applying security categories equitably to male and female prisoners. In parallel, discussions examined the development of clear and more responsive prison security levels, emphasizing detailed, proportionate and justifiable security protocols which are aligned with the rights and dignity of detainees.

Audit and Risk Management for Sustainable Reform 

Another key part of the workshop was on enhancing accountability and institutional performance through effective audit and risk management systems. Practical tools for prison audits were introduced to participants with guidance on crafting risk management strategies that respond quickly to threats and support transparent, effective prison management. Emphasis was placed on the role of audits not just as compliance checks, but as essential mechanisms for evaluating policy effectiveness, uncovering gaps, and driving continuous improvement.

Building on these technical foundations, the workshop also facilitated the validation of Ghana’s draft Prison Security Categorisation and Prison Audit Guidance documents. A clear roadmap was set for piloting and institutionalizing these tools across the prison system. Participants expressed a strong commitment to embedding the reforms, advancing a unified national framework that supports secure, accountable, and rights-respecting correctional practices in Ghana.

A Vision for the Future

By aligning security practices with human rights and investing in capacity-building, Ghana is setting a standard for correctional transformation across the region. Through smarter classification, professional auditing, and evidence- and rights-based approaches, the Ghana Prisons Service is laying the foundation for a secure, just, and rehabilitative prison system.

 “I see a great change will come in the near future, not only in our inmates but from prison officers as well. With the workshop, we are more equipped and knowledgeable about how to approach and engage our inmates in decision-making. It would bring a lot of calmness in various security prisons that we have.” – by participant Supt. Victory Serwah Appiah