By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minister-designate for Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has shared his plans to address the challenges of reintegrating former prisoners into society.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, January 24, 2025, he highlighted the stigma ex-prisoners face and the need for comprehensive support systems to help them rebuild their lives.
Muntaka acknowledged the difficulties many ex-prisoners experience when returning to their communities.
He recounted a personal story of a relative who struggled with rejection after being released from prison. “When my late father brought him home, the family treated him like a demon. He eventually left, and sadly, some months later, he was found dead by the railway line,” he said.
To tackle such issues, Muntaka plans to collaborate with institutions like the National Media Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to raise awareness and promote acceptance of former prisoners. He emphasised the importance of changing societal perceptions through education.
The Asawase MP also underscored the need to equip prisoners with skills while serving their sentences. He suggested setting up programs to ensure that upon release, ex-prisoners can find jobs and become self-reliant, even if their communities are unwelcoming. “If someone has a skill, they can get a job and reduce the trauma they face after prison,” he noted.
Muntaka expressed confidence that with the help of experts and a dedicated team, his initiatives would significantly reduce the stigma associated with being a former prisoner. He believes these efforts will improve reintegration and give ex-prisoners a better chance at a fresh start.
The nominee pledged to work diligently to implement these plans, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their past, are given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
