ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTES

(BORSTAL HOMES) IN JUVENILE JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION IN

GHANA: THE CASE OF MAAMOBI SENIOR BOYS CORRECTIONAL

CENTER

A LONG ESSAY SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION

UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION WINNEBA-KUMASI CAMPUS

DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

BY

ARYEETEY SHADRACH NII

(BBA/PT/08/042)

MAY, 2012

i

DECLARATION

I certify that this work piece is solely my own carried out at the Department of Management

Studies at the University of Education Winneba - Kumasi and under the supervision of Dr.

Joseph Mbawuni. The researcher cited the work of other authorities during the study which were

duly acknowledged.

.............................................. ..............................................

Date: ................................. Date: .................................

Shadrach Nii Aryeetey Dr. Joseph Mbawuni

(Student) (Supervisor)

ii

DEDICATION

In loving memory of my Dad Mr. Quaye Ayitey( 1918-2006)

iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to first of all express my sincerest thanks to the Almighty God for his care, guidance and

knowledge given to me throughout my work. But, for this my efforts would have proven futile.

My profound gratitude also goes to my Supervisor, Dr. Mbawuni whose directions,

encouragement, motivation and advice saw me this far. To this I say to him ‘ayekoo! ’

I am most grateful to officials of the Maamobi Senior Boys Correctional Centre, the Director of

the Ghana Prisons Service and all the participants of the study that resulted in obtaining

responses and answers to the questionnaires prepared and interviews conducted towards the

success of this work.

My appreciation would be incomplete if I fail to acknowledge my friends and course mates

especially Joana Boakyewah Aning, Blay Andrew Victor Jr. and Priscilla Ama Mensah whose

suggestions, encouragement and moral supports contributed tremendously in attainment of this

research work. I am most grateful to you all.

Finally, I am highly indebted to my wife and daughter who have relentlessly been the back bone

in my education up to this far. My God replenish abundantly all that have been incurred and

extend their lifespan.

iv

ABSTRACT

The study basically takes a careful look at the correctional centre and juvenile justice

administration: the case of Maamobi Senior Boys Correctional Centre. It focuses on assessing

how effective the correctional centre is in its daily administration to arrive at their goals. The

study therefore looks at the reformation and the rehabilitation programs, resource capacity,

social relations of inmates and challenges facing the centre. Theoretical framework and

literature review connected to the topic were reviewed. Information was sought from thirty

respondents through the use of questionnaires, twenty inmates and ten staffs as well as an

interview with the deputy director at the centre. Questionnaires administered centered on

programs, resource capacity, and social relations of inmates and challenges of the centre. The

study identified some rehabilitation and reformation programs, and the benefit to the inmates as

well as obstacles. It also finds out that in terms of accommodation facilities it was okay even

though it needed a face lift. Inmates enjoy three square meal a day and access to television.

Rapport between inmates and staffs was admirable. Challenges have to do with funding,

equipments and trained staffs.

v

TABLE OF CONTENT

Content.....................................................................................................................................Page

DECLARATION………………………………………………………………………………… i

DEDICATION……………………………………………………………………………….......ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT………………………………………………………………. ……..iii

ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………………. .…iv

TABLE OF CONTENT................................................................................................................v

LIST OF TABLES........................................................................................................................vi

LIST OF FIGURES.....................................................................................................................vii

CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................1

1.1 The Statement of the Problem............................................................................................2

1.2Aim.........................................................................................................................................2

1.3 Objectives..............................................................................................................................2

1.4 Research Questions..............................................................................................................3

1.5 Scope of Study......................................................................................................................3

1.6 Methodology.........................................................................................................................3

1.6.1 Target Population.................................................................................................................3

1.6.2 Sources of Data....................................................................................................................4

1.6.3 Sample Size.........................................................................................................................4

1.6.4 Sampling Procedure.............................................................................................................4

1.6.5 Data Collection Method.......................................................................................................4

1.7 Justification of the Study......................................................................................................4

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms.........................................................................................5

1.9 Limitations of the Study.......................................................................................................6

CHAPTER TWO

vi

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction..............................................................................................................................7

2.1 Juvenile Justice in the World..................................................................................................7

2.2.1 Peer Influences......................................................................................................................8

2.2.2 Family Influence...................................................................................................................10

2.2.3 Race as a Factor in Delinquent Behavior.............................................................................11

2.2.4 Self-Esteem as a Factor in Delinquent Behavior..................................................................12

2.3s Juvenile Justice Administration..........................................................................................16

2.4 Reformation and Rehabilitation Program for Juveniles in the World.............................17

2.5 Juvenile Justice Administration in Ghana..........................................................................19

2.6 Challenges of Correctional Centers.....................................................................................21

2.7Theoretical Framework..........................................................................................................22

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction........................................................................................................................24

3.1 Research Design.................................................................................................................24

3.2 History of the Study Area..................................................................................................25

3.3 Target Population..............................................................................................................26

3.4 Sample Technique..............................................................................................................26

3.5 Data Collection...................................................................................................................26

3.6 Data Analysis......................................................................................................................27

3.7 Ethical Consideration........................................................................................................27

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................28

4.1 Categories of Respondents....................................................................................................28

4.1.1 Staff......................................................................................................................................29

4.1.2 Inmates.................................................................................................................................29

4.2 History of Inmates..............................................................................................................29

vii

4.3 Effectiveness of Reformation Programs..........................................................................31

4.4 Living and Environmental Conditions at the Borstal Home.........................................33

4.5 Social Relations of Inmates...............................................................................................36

4.6 Research Questions............................................................................................................38

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

5.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................40

5.1 Summary of Findings............................................................................................................41

5.2 Conclusion..............................................................................................................................42

5.3 Recommendation...................................................................................................................42

Reference……………………………………………………………………………..……… 46

Appendix ……………………………………………………………………………………….48

viii

LIST OF TABLES

Table..........................................................................................................................................Page

Table 4.1 Categories of Respondents............................................................................................28

Table 4.2 Inmates and who they trust............................................................................................36

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

Figure 4.1 Frequency inmates have come in conflict with the law...............................................30

Figure 4.2 Intention of inmates after acquittal...............................................................................32

Figure 4.3 Conditions at the Borstal Home...................................................................................34

ix

CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.0 Introduction

Laws are made to govern the behavior of members in the society without which societies will be

in a state of anomie. The rules identify specific situations and prescribe the kind of behavior it

considers appropriate. When people within the society break the rules or norms of behavior they

are referred to as deviants. Crime according to the encyclopedia of social work is considered as a

commission of an act or omission that violates the law and is punishable by the state. Haskell and

Yablonsky (1976) also defines crime as an intentional act committed or omitted in violation of a

forbidden law and to which is annex either of the following punishment; death, imprisonment,

fines, removal from office or disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of trust in the society.

Crime abound in various forms namely armed robbery, larceny, assault, murder, co-operate

crime, defilement, rape etc. Several reasons have been given as to why some people choose to be

anti social that borders on biological, psychological issues, social structures, poor socialization

and association with peers who have their own sub-culture contrary to the societal norms. Crimes

are not committed by adults alone but young people as well who are either known as juvenile

offenders or delinquents and both offenders go through the criminal justice system. Juvenile

delinquency is legally defined as an act committed by a minor who violates the penal code”

(Seigal and Senna 1988).

In Ghana a juvenile offender is a person under eighteen years who goes through the juvenile

justice systems (Act 653), of 2003. The study focuses on the juvenile offender who passes

through the juvenile justice system. The offender is sent to the Remand home, upon the request

of the court when trial is still in progress to reappear on a said date. The industrial school or the

correctional home is the custodial sentence imposed on the juvenile or on probation under the

strict supervision of a probation officer.

1

In Ghana, there is a growing fear that our correctional institutions specifically the Borstal

institutions are not able to fully reform and rehabilitate inmates for reintegration. Rather the

correction centre is seen as a crime college where juveniles graduate into hardened criminals.

The study is therefore to assess the effectiveness of Correctional Centres in performance of their

roles in Juvenile Justice Administration, identify the loopholes, challenges and way forward.

1.1 The Statement of the Problem

As already spelt out clearly, laws are made for social control yet we find social deviants violating

the law. The emphasis of the study is on the juvenile offender or delinquent who finds him or

herself in the grips of the law and the correctional centre where the juvenile is sent to.

Baan (1984) attributed the cause of chronic delinquency to the way criminal justice is

administered, judicial proceedings and methods of treatments. One of the key actors in pursuant

of juvenile justice is the correctional or Borstal Institutions which help to foster reformation,

rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders. However, little empirical research on the

effectiveness of the Borstal Home has been undertaken. The study therefore focuses on the

Borstal institution by assessing the programs aimed at reformation, rehabilitation and

reintegration of the juvenile as well as the conditions and resource capacity at the centre.

1.2 Aim

The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of the Borstal Institution in Juvenile Justice

Administration taking into consideration programs, resources, conditions and challenges.

1.3 Objectives

The objectives of the study are outline below:

1. To identify and assess the effectiveness of various programs designed to reform the

juvenile offender.

2. To examine the living and environmental conditions of the institution.

2

3. To assess the resource capacity (human, material, financial) of the institution.

4. To assess the social relations of inmates and personnel.

5. To identify major challenges faced by the Borstal institute.

1.4 Research Questions

1. Will the effectiveness of programs designed in the Borstal Home impact positively on the

Juvenile offender?

2. Is there a direct relationship between resource capacity and reformation and rehabilitation

of inmates?

1.5 Scope of Study

The study entails the effectiveness of Borstal Homes in the performance of their role in the

juvenile justice administration. It will comprise of the challenges, weakness and opportunities of

the institution. Geographically, the study will focus on the senior Borstal Home in Maamobi a

suburb of Accra. The Senior Correctional Center formally known as Ghana Borstal institute was

established in 18th May, 1947 at its present location Roman Ridge Accra under the care of the

Department of Social Welfare. It was established for the purpose of reforming juvenile

offenders. In 1958 the prison service took over its administration. The center takes into custody

juvenile offenders between ages 13-17 and it detains for a mandated period of six months for

minimum sentence and three years for maximum. It has a vision of attaining the three Rs namely

Reformation, Rehabilitation and Re -integration.

1.6 Methodology

The researcher intends to use both qualitative and quantitative research in the study.

1.6.1 Target Population

The target population on which the study will centre are the inmates of the Senior Boys

Correctional Centre at Maamobi. It currently has a population of 120 inmates.

3

1.6.2 Sources of Data

In undertaking the study, both primary and secondary sources of information will be utilized.

The source of data will come from the staff and inmates of the Maamobi Senior Correctional

Institute. The secondary source of data will comprise relevant literature around the study. It will

include publications like journals, books and policies.

1.6.3 Sample Size

The study will centre on a sample size of 30 respondents, 20 of the respondents will be the

inmates of the centre while the other ten will be the staff.

1.6.4 Sampling Procedure

The stratified random sampling will be used in the study. This is because; inmates are grouped

into various dormitories and trades such as tailoring, blacksmithing, carpentry etc.

1.6.5 Data Collection Method

The researcher intends to use the self administered questionnaires and interview in gathering

data. Moreover, Statistical Program for administration will be used for analysis.

1.7 Justification of the Study

There is the assertion that, the increasing spate of youth armed robbery in our communities can

be attributed to many factors, but significantly among them is the correctional institution

specifically Borstal Homes. It is believed is a “crime college” which produces criminals

terrorizing the citizenry because of the training and conditions under which inmates live. There

is therefore the need to study this environment to ascertain the truth and to come out with ways

to improve the situation.

4

To the inmates, the study would bring to the fore their grievances for them to be addressed.

Proper education and skill training programs will be pursued to ensure proper integration.

Moreover society as a whole should be sensitized on the need to warmly accept such people who

have been reintegrated into society for them to feel welcomed as part of the society with that

they would rather prove their worth but not to drift back to those deviant behaviors.

Government would also be impressed upon to put up more Borstal Institutions or refurbish the

existing ones and stock it with the necessary material, recruit qualified people to ensure

reformation of inmates. Policy makers will be urged to come out with alternate policies like

diversion, probation, community – based corrections etc, these policies would do away with the

criminal record attached to the offender and makes the offender to reflect on his /her bad

behavior so as to refrain from it as well as removal of stigma attached to incarceration.

The study will help in the addition of knowledge not only in the academic field but to the field

outside the academic. In the process of the research, certain knowledge that has been given less

or no attention might be exposed to broaden existing knowledge. The research will also trigger

further research into same or similar area of study

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

1. Juvenile Offender. According to the juvenile justice Act 653 of 2003, a juvenile

offender is a person under age of eighteen (18) years in conflict with the law.

2. Diversion. Is a procedure by which the Judge according to a certain criteria

prevents the juvenile from passing through the juvenile justice system.

3. A Social Deviant. Is a minor who violates the norms and values of the society.

4. Criminal Justice System. According to Inciardi, 2005 criminal justice is referred

to as the system of practices used by national and local governments, directed at

maintaining social control, deterring and controlling crime and sanctions those

who violate the law and order with criminal penalties. The key actors who protect

5

individual rights and all the agencies that perform criminal justice functions are

known as the Criminal Justice System.

5. Borstal Institution. Is a senior correctional home where offenders between the

ages of seventeen and Twenty – one years (17 -21 years) and incorrigible

juveniles between the ages of eight (8) and sixteen (16) are sent for training,

rehabilitation, reformation and integration into mainstream society.

6. After Care Agent. Are welfare personnel who are attached to institutions such as

prisons and rehabilitation centres. They respond to the welfare needs of inmates

during and after incarceration.

7. Recidivist. According to encyclopedia Americana (2000) refers to an individual

who reverts to an undesirable act or behavior, often, they have either experienced

negative consequences of that behavior or have been trained to extinguish the

behavior.

8. Probation. A conditional release of a convicted offender into the community

under the supervision of a probation officer.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

1. The first limitation identified is that the sample size of the study does not represent

wholesomely the views of the total population.

2. The researcher went through an arduous task in getting the approval from the Senior

Boy’s Correctional Institute. Approval had to be given by the Director General of Ghana

prisons besides the bureaucracy the researcher had to go through.

3. In addition self administered questionnaire by the researcher was time consuming.

4. More over, it was difficult getting most inmates to correctly answer questionnaires as

some felt reluctant. Finally finances were another major challenge for the researcher.

6

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter touched on literature relating to the juvenile justice administration around the world,

causes of juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice administration, reformation and rehabilitation

programs for juveniles around the world, juvenile justice administration in Ghana and challenges

of correctional centers.

2.1 Juvenile Justice in the World

Criminal justice is the system of practices and the institutions of government are directed at

upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crimes or sanctioning those who violate laws

with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts. The criminal justice system in England and

Wales aims to reduce crime by bringing more offences to justice and to raise public confidence

that the system is fair and would deliver law abiding citizens. In Canada, the criminal justice

system aims to balance the goals of crime control and prevention, and justice. In Sweden, the

overarching goal for the criminal justice system is to reduce crime and increase the security of

the people.

2.2 Causes of Juvenile Delinquency

In Africa, delinquency tends to be attributed primarily to hunger, poverty, malnutrition and

unemployment, which are linked to the marginalization of juveniles in the already severely

disadvantaged segments of society. As a result of rapid population growth, young people in

Africa will soon constitute two-thirds of the region’s population.

7

Every year about 790,000 people enter the labor market, while the economy generates fewer than

60,000 jobs. One half of all households in Africa are living in poverty. Many of the urban poor

live in slums and squatter settlements with overcrowding, unhealthy housing and a lack of basic

services. It is here that the majority of urban youth and children live. One of the most serious

problems is the great number of street and orphaned children, whose numbers have been growing

as a result of continuous and multiple armed conflicts, the advent of HIV/AIDS, and the

breakdown of a centuries-old way of living and social structure. Juvenile crime and delinquency

are on the rise, a trend also linked to the rapid and dramatic social, political and economic

changes that have taken place in Africa in recent decades. The principal offences committed by

young people are theft, robbery, smuggling, prostitution, the abuse of narcotic substances, and

drug trafficking.

Psychologists, sociologists and criminologists the world over have long debated the various

causes of delinquency. This research focuses on some of the causes that have been and are

considered viable from a theoretical and practical perspective.  Some of these theorists point to

the seminal experience of a childhood trauma especially child abuse, either of a physical or

sexual nature.

 

2.2.1 Peer Influences 

Hoge, Andrews and Leschied tested three hypotheses with respect to delinquent behavior. They

worked with a sample of 338 youth in their study. The first theory centers on parent-child

relationships, the second on peer influences and the third on attitudes towards authority. It is

clear from the beginning of the article that the authors acknowledge that not one but a

8

combination of factors are the strongest predictor of delinquent behavior. They noted that

familial relationships combined with an association with delinquent peers offers the highest

predictor for delinquency (1994, p. 547). Although it might be tempting to assume that parental

abuse of their children would be the conclusion here in terms of familial influence, the authors

noted this is not necessarily the case. There are parents who give poor directions to children, fail

to structure their behavior and do not reward or punish appropriately. “Our prediction was that

the highest levels of antisocial behavior would occur where poor attachment between parent and

child was combined with poor controls.” (Hoge, Andrews and Leschied, 1994, p. 547). 

Vitaro, Brendgen and Tremblay supported the theory that spending time with deviant friends

exerts a great deal of pressure on a young person to adopt the same behaviors. “The Peer

Influence/Socialization model (Elliott et al., 1985) proclaims that weak bonding to conventional

peers leads to association with deviant friends, which in turn is responsible for initiation or

aggravation of delinquent behaviors” (2002, p. 314). Even though this may be true, the authors

also suggested that the presence of even one non-deviant friend may be able to mitigate some of

the influence from friends who engage in deviant behavior. Each individual brings their own

norms and values and the friendship is unique in that respect. “However, deviant peers also

amplified the link between disruptive behaviors and later delinquency for early starters” (Vitaro,

Brendgen, and Tremblay. 2002, p. 316.). These authors also found an interesting result from their

study in that if a person’s best friend engages in delinquent behaviors, the person will have a

tendency towards delinquent behaviors too even if they have friends who engage in positive

behaviors.

9

2.2.2 Family Influence 

Vitaro, Brendgen, and Tremblay suggested that those theorists who believe in the peer influence

model also tend to support the belief that family has a strong influence on the development of

positive or delinquent behavior. They stated that some researchers used measures such as

parental control, discipline, or supervision whereas other researchers focused on the effective

nature of the parent child relationship. A number of studies examined the moderating role of

each dimension separately with conflicting results (2002, p. 315). 

 

Matherne and Thomas noted that delinquency is most definitely on the rise in America today.

The number of youths who run away from home and the number of drop-outs are increasing

every year. They agree that family influence is one of the predictors in the development of

delinquent behavior. In fact, they go so far as to state that family influence can be much more

powerful than the influence of one’s peers (2001, p. 670). This suggests that a positive family

influence with strong emotional bonding and positive communication strategies can mitigate the

influence of deviant peers in a young person’s life. They clarify this by stating that the family

type is also extremely important and children/youth from non-traditional families (single parent,

reconstituted) have a far greater chance of engaging in delinquent behavior than children/youth

from traditional families. “For non-traditional families, there was a significant relationship

between delinquency and cohesion” (Ibid). 

In terms of family influence, there may be some validity to the notion that non-traditional

families have a more difficult time raising children. There is often the problem of being a single

10

parent which means economic resources are stretched to the limit and the parent likely has far

less time to spend with their children. A single parent also has the added pressure of trying to

provide emotional support for all the children in addition to being the economic support. Some

researchers suggest that just as effective parenting can have a positive influence on young

people, so the opposite is true. Parents who are poor communicators, unable to establish strong

emotional ties and provide little to no support for children risk seeing them engage in delinquent

behavior. There is also the more extreme form of dysfunctional parenting with those who engage

in illegal or criminal behavior. “In studies comparing them to demographically matched controls,

children of substance abusers exhibit more behavioral and emotional problems, less socially

adaptive behavior, higher rates of psychiatric disorder, and greater use of illicit drugs” (Keller, et

al., 2002, p. 399).  

Clark and Shields studied the effects of family communication on patterns of delinquency. As a

general concept, effective family communications could easily be understood as having a

positive influence on the children and adults. When parents are able to communicate with their

children in compassionate, supportive and non-judgmental tones it does seem more likely that

the children will feel understood and accepted. This pattern of communication is more likely to

lead to a positive self-image and a higher sense of self-esteem and serve as a buffer against any

negative, external factors. Some would suggest that it is not only the communication itself that is

of high importance but the focus of the communication (Clark and Shields, 1997, p. 81). 

11

2.2.3 Race as a Factor in Delinquent Behavior

Politicians and the public view youth crime and violence through a prism of race and social

class.  Pabon also points to statistics which demonstrate that unfortunately minority youth may

be a small portion of the population but they represent the majority of youth involved in

delinquent behavior. “Although youth constituted about 32% of the population in the country in

1995, they represented 68% of the juvenile population in secure detention” (p. 6).  One of the

problems in determining race as a factor in delinquency is to understand the ways in which

people of color feel in America today. Many people of color continue to feel as if they lack

equality in general. Therefore, it is impossible to discuss race and delinquency without

acknowledging this fact. The report on San Mateo County states clearly that youth of color are

being detained at a much higher rate than White youth. The researchers also acknowledge the

difficulty of tackling that particular subject.  “Measuring the disproportionate confinement of

youth of color and discussing the impact of race and ethnicity in general are difficult due to the

fact that measuring “race” is itself a discipline fraught with inconsistencies” (Morris, et al, 2003).

.

2.2.4 Self-Esteem as a Factor in Delinquent Behavior

Sociological Explanations

There is evidence in the research to demonstrate that low self-esteem may also be one of the

contributing factors to delinquent behavior. However, one must be careful to understand how

self-esteem factors into delinquent behavior for not all children and youth who experience low

self-esteem necessarily fall into this pattern of behavior. One specific study points to the fact that

Kaplan’s Self-Derogation Theory of Delinquency has been the primary tool used in the research

on the connection between low self-esteem and delinquent behavior. One critique of the Kaplan

12

theory notes that it is based primarily on the assumption that people want to feel good about

them and will engage in behavior that will boost their self-esteem. 

When low self-esteem is experienced, individuals are motivated to take action to restore positive

self-regard. This self-esteem motive is evident during adolescence, when most boys and girls

develop favorable views of self within the confines of commitment to conventional reference

groups. (Mason, 2001, p. 84). 

The notion that people want and need to feel good about themselves is not particularly new. In

Kaplan’s theory however, young people are emotionally vulnerable. When young people

experience rejection by their peers, some react by seeking out deviant peers in order to be

accepted by people their own age. “…boys and girls who are rejected by mainstream reference

groups will experience lowered self-esteem, decreased commitment to the reference group, and

increased motivation to establish deviant peer associations based on involvement in delinquent

behavior” (Mason, 2001, p. 84). 

Mason (2001) suggests using latent growth curve modeling as a means of studying the

connection between self-esteem and delinquent behavior. ). “Latent growth models are unique in

that they incorporate information about the means, as well as the variances and covariances, of

measured variables. These models, therefore, focuses on both the group and individual levels of

analysis” (p. 87).

2.2.5Trauma and Delinquency

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has conducted research on the relationship

between traumatic events in a young person’s life and delinquent behavior. A sad and

unfortunate reality of life in our modern world is that far too many children and young people are

13

abused and traumatized every day. Some of these abuses are infrequence, whereas others occur

on a regular basis. The abuse may vary in nature as physical, sexual, or psychological, or as a

combination. There is no doubt that whatever the nature of the abuse; it can have long lasting and

profound effects on a young person’s life. Another truly sad fact of childhood trauma is that it

often involves someone the child has come to know and trust such as a parent, sibling, babysitter,

relative, caregiver, or teacher. This violation of trust only multiplies the effect of the trauma or

abuse. Numerous studies over the past 10 years have shown a clear relationship between youth

victimization and a variety of problems in later life, including mental health problems, substance

abuse, impaired social relationships, suicide, and delinquency (Siegfried, & Kelley, 2004, p. 5). 

Data is available on the correlation between delinquent behavior and traumatic or abusive

incidents through the National Survey of Adolescents (Kilpatrick et al., 2003b). The survey

reveals that over 47% of boys who are sexually assaulted will go on to commit delinquent acts,

almost 20% of girls who are sexually assaulted go on to commit delinquent acts, 46% of boys

who have been physically assaulted commit delinquent acts, and almost 30% of girls who are

physically assaulted will commit an act of delinquency  The research does indicate that boys and

girls who have been neither physically or sexually assaulted also commit delinquent acts but at a

significantly lower rate than their peers who have been assaulted in some manner (Siegfried, Ko,

& Kelley, 2004).

The World Youth Report cites interesting evidence and research into the connection between

trauma and violence in a child or young person’s life and committing acts of delinquency.

“Statistical data in many countries show that delinquency is largely a group phenomenon;

14

between two-thirds and three-quarters of all juvenile offences are committed by members of

various groups. Even those juveniles who commit offences alone are likely to be associated with

groups” (“Juvenile Delinquency, 2004, p. 191). This report also points out that it is now more

imperative than ever to study the connections between trauma and delinquency as juvenile

delinquency is on the rise in many countries. In addition to understanding why young people fall

into delinquency, it is important for researchers to focus on how to prevent delinquency and how

society can support and help to rehabilitate those who have fallen into delinquent behavior

(“Juvenile Delinquency, 2004). 

The U.S. Department of Justice has been monitoring issues related to delinquency for many

years now. A 2001 report indicated that rates of juvenile delinquency in the U.S. have gone

down but there is still a significant amount of concern over this issue in society. This report

states very clearly that maltreatment of children and youth can have a direct relationship with the

development of delinquent behavior. The report states: “The prevalence of childhood abuse or

neglect among delinquent and criminal populations is substantially greater than that in the

general population” (Wiebush, Freitag, & Baird. 2001, p. 1). This report goes on to state that one

of key factors in the difference between those children who go on to engage in delinquent

behavior are less likely to have received appropriate intervention in a timely manner. The

problem of child abuse and neglect is a serious one and it is unlikely that agencies spread out

over such a large country as the U.S. provide the same services. Given the fact that agencies can

only do much within their mandate, it is also possible to assume that decision have to be made

about which cases to intervene with and when it is possible for them to provide support. 

15

2.3 Juvenile Justice Administration

According to the law journal library, juvenile institutions implemented the family model for they

were designed to implant order, discipline and care for the family into institutional life. In effect

the institutions become home, peers become the family and staff becomes parents. Programs

such as group therapy and classification system to rehabilitate, recycle, remake and remodel of

residents. Even though the institution could well be compared to the family aim at reformation,

the home environment is quiet different because the institution may seem frightening and

threatening to offender and have psychological repercussions on inmates not forgetting the

stigma attached.

Progressive reforms are portrayed as sincere attempts to ‘save’ children from both dangers of

large, disorganized cities and the degradation and dehumanization youthful offenders

experienced in courtroom and jails (Hawes, 1971).

Rendleman, 1971; Schoscman, (1977) find instead an expansion of control. Questioning

reformers motives, they argue that the juvenile court was in its very conception an intrusive,

coercive and highly discretionary state apparatus targeted primarily at the children of lower

classes.

The question of juvenile institutionalization is fraught with sharp conflicts. On one hand Jereme

Miller and others loudly proclaim that all training schools are bad for children and those youthful

offenders must be kept out of them. On the other hand, proponents of punishment model,

16

propose that the violence of youth crime is directly related to the permissiveness of the juvenile

justice system.

Another study which followed up in the United States by 450 youth released for state training

schools, discovered that recidivism rate increased each year after discharge reaching 54% in a

fourth year. An examination of the re-arrest rates of youth discharged from correctional facilities

in New York State found that 51% were picked up by the police within a year of release. In

contrast, other studies presented a more favorable picture of the effectiveness of some

institutional programs, do produce a modest reduction in recidivism.

Moreover, a more recent review of institutional programs for serious juvenile offenders

conducted by Mark Lipsy and David Wilson indicated that although some institutional programs

have no appreciable effect on recidivism others were associated with a substantial reduction in

subsequent offending. There are quality institutional programs that treat youth humanly and that

are operated by caring and professional staff. There is evidence that small secure treatment

facilities that target violent and chronic offenders and use therapeutic, cognitive-behavioral and

skills training interventions are effective in reducing recidivism by Preston Eldrod, R. Scott

Ryder, (2009)

2.4 Reformation and Rehabilitation Program for Juveniles in the World

Lotz s Poole Regoli, (1985) Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice out lines major

conceptual models for treating juvenile offenders.

A} discipline – oriented model

17

Advocates a secure work oriented institution with less emphasis on work than on conformity to

institutional rules and regulation. The limited program for offenders consists primarily of farm

and institutional maintenance work and often primitive academic regulation. The over ridding

concern of staff is in maintaining the integrity of the institute through prevention of escape,

disorders, insubordination and violation of rules. Order is maintain through regimentation of

offenders and the use of punishment systems.

B} Individual treatment model – the program focuses on enhancing individual growth. The

method is a relationship between the offender as a client and a therapist as a professional such as

a psychologist, psychiatric social worker or clinically trained chaplain. The therapist has frequent

probing interview with the offender in order to help the delinquent gain greater objectivity of

him or herself. Such insight links to maturation. Advocates call for the substitution of group

counseling, the use of various staff members as cottage officers as counselors and consultation

with other staff regarding day – day decisions affecting the delinquent.

C} the home spun model – this is a small camp staffed with matured, well adjusted individuals

who are firmly committed to working with youth and imbued with good balance of personal

concern, firmness and patience. Staff may be expected to lead the youth in organized sports,

handicraft projects and other leisure activities. the underlying assumption is that the delinquents

are alienated from the adult world of law abiding and self maintaining. The alienation is

attributed to lack of dependable parent figure at home and a failure to develop a satisfactory

substitute in other respectable citizens. It is reason that the youth can live to trust and respect his

18

or her camp counselor. A weakness of this approach is that insufficient attention is given to the

poor social environment which confined delinquent tend to come.

D} therapeutic community model – it stresses the importance of full and candid communication

between confined offenders and staff and has the objective approach of involving the offender in

decision making at the center. The youth will gain self control and judgment and would better

behave in a non-delinquent way.

E} community oriented model- they see the individual as a product of the social environment. As

such the offender should not be separated from the environment as is seen as a failure. Rather

rehabilitation should not center on the offender alone but on other social element in his or her

community. When delinquents are confined a continual effort is required to work with the

community and social institutions to remove the forces that contributed to the delinquency.

Correctional Institutions all over the world do not implement one model as a whole but bit and

pieces of the other models making it difficult to assess their effectiveness.

2.5 Juvenile Justice Administration in Ghana 

The accommodation exists of dormitories, with between 5 to 10 youngsters per cell. The cell is

about 16 square meters and about 2 square meters is available per person. Cells and corridors for

detained minors contain a toilet and taps. There is no central heating available neither do they

have air-conditioning. Ventilation and sanitation in the cells are sometimes so poor that in-mates

get malaria and other diseases. Other facilities available include recreation room, eating room

and a room for staying during the day.

19

Food is provided for free from a central kitchen to the detained minors on a 3 times a day basis.

The food is examined daily to ensure safety, adequacy and quality by the matron of the

institution. Cleanliness rules are not observed on a regular basis by the prison commanding

officers. When they enter the juvenile institution detained minors are medically screened for

infectious and contagious diseases. This is the only time screening takes place. No cases of self-

destructive acts, attempted suicides and suicides have been reported. Some of the detained

minors use drugs. They get those drugs, especially Indian hemp, when they go out to work.

Known drug users are held separately from the rest of the detained minors. Counseling has been

used as a therapy program for this specific category of detained minors.

There are no known cases of HIV-AIDS, hepatitis and TB cases. Some detained minors,

however, suffer from skin diseases. They receive special treatment from specialists such as

psychologists, doctors and nurses at the institution’s infirmary. Serious cases are referred to the

police hospital for treatment. Psychological supervision often takes the form of counseling.

Toilets and showers are not clean when compared with the required standards. A limited number

of single showers and toilets are available for the youngsters. House cleaning products including

soap and toilet papers are distributed irregularly. The water supply works efficiently, and

occasionally there is warm water. The minors normally take their bath twice a day.

Formal education is given to offenders with a school background and vocational training is

available for non-school children. The average educational level of the detained minors in the

institution is a few grades of elementary school. Detained minors receive some vocational

20

training during their imprisonment in skills like wood working, leather working,

draughtsmanship, electrical installation and ceramics.

In the first three months the youngster is strictly detained to prevent him from running away.

After that, the next three months are used to counsel the child. In this period he also studies the

various professions from which he can choose the one he would like to learn. The remaining two

and a half years are used by the youngsters to learn a profession. Those who have not yet

completed their basic education are sent to the Junior Secondary School. Those children who

take the training serious are able to get a certificate from the National Vocational and Technical

Institute after their training. The detained minors voluntarily work every day from of 9am - 3pm

during their stay in the institution. There is no remuneration as their work is seen as part of their

training, but they receive some tips from clients they produce things for.

The detained minors receive physical education for one hour per day, doing exercises every

morning in the open air. There are also special areas where sports can be played.

Placement in an isolation cell is the common disciplinary measure taken against minors by the

correctional officers in charge. There are no cases mentioned of bullying, abuse, violence or

torture among the detained minors or by the correctional staff.

2.6 Challenges of Correctional Centers

Conditions of inmates. It has been realized that juvenile incarceration hinder their progress in

education to the higher level because only basic education is offered together with vocational

training at the center. Besides inmates are likely to turn to the use of drugs under the influence of

21

others. In addition the elderly are seen to bully the younger ones. More over the classification of

inmates in to dormitories without taking into consideration the age differences and the offences

committed cause the younger ones and those with minor offences to learn new techniques of

committing crime. Coupled with the above, the overcrowding nature of the correctional center

causes diseases to spread easily among inmates. The quality and kind of food provided to

inmates are not the best due to the money supplied to them for feeding.

Finally there are little programs, policies and governmental support to integrate released inmates

into the society. The discussion above centered on the causes of juvenile delinquencies, juvenile

justice administration in Ghana and their challenges. The focus of the research is on the role the

correctional center plays in the reformation and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.

2.7 Theoretical Framework

The social theory on crime consists of the sub cultural theory, social disorganization theory,

strain theory and social learning theory and the main proponent is Hirschi Travis. It proposes that

exploiting processes of socialization and social learning builds self control and reduces the

inclination to indulge in behavior recognized as antisocial. The theory focuses on four control

principles: direct: by which punishment is threatened for wrongful act and compliance is

rewarded by parents, family and authority figures. Internal: by which a youth refrains from

delinquency through the conscience or super ego. Indirect: By identification with those who

influence behavior, because his or her delinquent act might cause pain and disappointment to

parents and others with whom he or she has close relationship with. Control: through needs

satisfaction that is if individual’s needs are met there is no point in criminality. People’s

22

relationship, commitment, values and beliefs encourage them not to break the law. Through

internalization of moral codes and a stake in the wider community they will voluntarily lower

their propensity to commit deviant acts. It considers possible ways to reduce likelihood of

criminality developing in individuals. The morality is created in the construction of a social

order, assigning cost and consequences to certain choices and defining some as evil or illegal.

The social control theorists’ belief that human nature is inherently antisocial. A leading

proponent of the social control theory, Travis Hirschi (1969), says that “We are all animals and

all naturally capable of committing criminal acts”. Hirschi says that the question; “why do

people commit crimes?” needs no answer. People commit crime because it is their nature to do

so, the question that really needs an answer is “why do most people not commit crimes?

Hirschi asserts that most people do not commit crimes because there is a bond between them and

society. People internalize the norms of the society in which they live and in so doing they

become moral beings sensitive to the needs of others. The social bonds identified by Hirschi

include the ties of respect and affection between children and key people in their lives such as

parents, teachers, relatives and friends commitment to social norms of behavior and to success in

regard to such values as getting a good education, a good job and being successful, involvement

in activities because the more activities a person is involved in the less he or she will have to get

into trouble; and finally the fact that most persons are brought up to believe in and respect the

law.

Social control theory basically views criminal behavior as a result of inadequate attachment

between people and the society in which they live. Hirschi says, the family is viewed as the

23

major place where attachments and therefore commitment to norms develop thus social theory

advocates the strengthening of the families as a major control strategy.

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

According to Thornhill et al….. (2003), Research methodology is a general plan on how a

researcher will go about answering the research questions. This chapter gives a description of the

methodology used for the study and data collection techniques employed in the work. The

methodology covers the research design, target group, sample techniques, sample size, data

collection instrument and the discussion on analyzed data as well as ethical consideration.

3.1 Research Design

It provides a frame work for the collection and analysis of data. The study focused on the

qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative method is an approach that translates

descriptive information into numerical values. Quantitative research has several aims, one of

which is to determine the relationship between an independent and dependent variables through

the use of graphs and frequencies. The study focused on Borstal home and the extent to which

their rehabilitation and reformation programs impact on the inmates at the centre. To be able to

ascertain how effective the centre was in the performance of their roles, there was the ,need to

study the resource capacity of the centre and its impact on inmates therefore a survey was

conducted. A questionnaire was designed to aid the collection of the data. Also a face to face

24

interview with respondents and a staff was utilized to collect information. The interview

involved a verbal interaction which bordered on their programs, resources, qualification and

duties of staff, challenges, opinions and views of the centre. The interview was employed

because it provided opportunity for probing and getting an in-depth understanding of issues.

3.2 History of the Study Area

The study targeted. Maamobi Senior Boys Correctional Centre is the only boys center

nationwide, established in 18 May 1947 under the care of Department of Social Welfare. In

1958, the Prison Service took over the administration of the centre. It was established for

reforming and rehabilitating juvenile offenders. The Centre has a motto ‘I shall rise again’.. The

centre takes into custody juvenile offenders from ages 13 to 17 years under the juvenile justice

act (Act 563) 2003 inmates are detained for a minimum of six months and a maximum of three

years depending on the gravity of the offence. It has the vision of attaining the 3-Rs namely

Reformation, Rehabilitation and Re-integration. Admission to the centre is backed by medical

report, Social Enquiry Report and Detention Order. The centre covers about 8 acres of land

constituting of administration block, reception, an infirmary, 13 dormitories, 10 workshops and

an auditorium, mosque, prison training school, prison officers quarters and James camp prisons.

Daily activities begin at 6.30 am with checking, cleaning of surrounding by inmates and move to

the work shop. Inmates eat three times daily during which row calls are taken and work shop

ends at 3.30pm while dormitories are locked by 5:30pm.

CHALLENGES – the centre is faced with escape from inmates. Again the centre is operated

under the Government of Ghana and most of the time funds for keeping the home are not

released on time as such they depend on benevolent organizations like churches, NGOs etc for its

operations.

25

3.3 Target Population

The respondents were mainly inmates and staff of Borstal Home. The centre has inmate

population of one hundred and twenty (120). The study took into account 30 respondents, twenty

of them were inmates and ten were staff at the centre.

3.4 Sample Technique

The study employed both simple random and stratified probability sampling technique. It was

realized that inmates belonged to different trades and dormitories .Inmates were put into four

different segments namely those under observation, post-immediate observation inmates, mid-

term inmates and inmates at the terminal stages of their sentence. From those under observation,

two (2) inmates were selected, post-immediate observation inmates were three (3), mid-term

inmates seven (7) and terminal inmates, eight (8). Since members within each segment could

belong to a specific trade, names were written and put together and the number required chosen.

Each inmate had equal chance of being selected as a respondent. On the part of the staff,

accidental sampling was used because the personnel run shift so people who were available were

used as respondents.

3.5 Data Collection

The main instrument for data collection for the study was self administered questionnaires and

face to face interview with staff. The questionnaire centered on demography, objectives and

research question. It was adopted due to the easy manner through which data could be collected.

It also provided an avenue for large amount of data collected within a short time.

26

3.6 Data Analysis

The questionnaires were collected, edited and coded. After that, a data entry template was

created using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS version 16) software. The data

were corrected by running consistency checks on the variables studied. The data were also

analyzed using discipline statistics involving frequency distribution and graphs.

This proves to be fast and an effective way of understanding the presentations by all.

3.7 Ethical Consideration

Before embarking on the field work permission was sought from the Director of Prisons Service

through writing. Respondents were also assured of high level of confidentiality, privacy and

anonymity that information provided would be used purely for academic purposes. The purpose

was to explain to respondent in order to obtain their informed consent. The data collected were

managed and used in such a way that the identity of respondent was protected and that no

information is directly traced to or associated with any individual respondent.

27

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.0 Introduction

This chapter highlights on the analysis of issues that examines the effectiveness of Borstal

Homes in the performance of their roles in Juvenile Justice Administration in Ghana. Issues

discussed are the effectiveness of training programs for reformation, living conditions of the

Borstal Home (Maamobi), the social relations of inmates, the resource capacity of the institution

and the challenges the institution face in performing their duties.

4.1 Categories of Respondents

Data was taken from three categories of people which include: the Deputy Director of the Borstal

Home at Maamobi, the staff in the institution and the inmates of the home. Table 4.1 shows the

distribution of responses and the survey instrument used in acquiring data.

Table 4.1 Categories of Respondents

Categories of Respondents Number of

Responses

Survey Instrument

Deputy Director of the Borstal centre 1 Interview guide

Staff 10 Questionnaire

Inmates 20 Questionnaire

Source: Author’s Construct, 2012

28

4.2 Background of Respondents

4.2.1 Staff

Out of the 10 staffs selected, 5 were males and 5 females. Staff respondents at the Borstal Home

have worked at the institution for an average of 14 years with the least experience staff working

for 6 years whiles the most experience have worked for 26 years.

4.2.2 Inmates

The inmates of the institution are only boys with ages ranging between 14 to 18 years with an

average age of 16 years. All the 20 inmates’ respondents have Ghanaian nationality with the

exception of one who is an Ivorian. On educational background, 95 percent of respondents have

the basic level with 5 percent at the SHS level of education.

4.3 History of Inmates

According to the survey, 45 percent of inmates were in the homes of single parents with 35

percent staying with their mothers. It further shows that only 30 percent of inmates were actually

leaving with both parents. It indicates that 70 percent were under single parents, family guardian

or friends. The result of this is child delinquency according to literature can be attributed to

family influence since little attention is given on the growth of the child and making the child

accepted in society.

On the issue of the number of times inmates have come into conflict with the law, 75 percent has

a first time experience whiles 15 percent more than twice. The 15 percent represent the recidivist

29

and is mostly attributed to poor parental control, lack of love, attention, and care on the part of

parent, peer pressure and poor social institutions to help reintegrate the deviant back into the

society. Figure 4.1 shows the frequency inmates have come into conflict with the law

Figure 4.3.1 Frequency inmates have come in conflict with the law

Source: Field Survey, March 2012

The major cases reported at the institution include theft, robbery, defilement and fraud. The

survey shows that 40 percent of inmates were convicted as a result of theft cases, 31 percent by

robbery cases, and 23 percent by defilement whiles 6 percent are by fraud and threatening cases.

. Further analysis shows that 85 percent of cases of robbery and defilement were from inmates

with single parenting. These cases are considered to be of higher degree than theft cases. The

maximum time of conviction is 3 years and the survey shows that inmates have averagely been

in the home for a year and seven months. Statistics from the field also shows that 66 percent of

inmates are in their last year of stay at the Borstal Home.

30

once twice more than twice0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

frequency

4.4 Effectiveness of Reformation and Rehabilitation Programs

From the survey, 80 percent of inmates were involved in various programs whilst 20 percent

were not involved in any program. Programs include ceramics, carpentry, mechanic and draught

work. The 20 percent of inmates who were not involved in any program were in their

observation period. The observation period is a four month period where inmates use to study

and choose programs of their choice. One important factor which ensures effective and efficient

reformation is interest. From the survey, the entry requirement for all vocation was interest and it

was buttressed by the fact that 93.3 percent chose the vocation they are involved whiles the 6.7

percent chose it with the help of staffs in the institutions. This implies that the willingness to do a

particular vocation is available. This will help the program to achieve its intended purpose as

compared to lack of personal will of inmates.

Equipment for training programs were adequate as 93.3 percent of inmates in trade thought

materials were okay in numbers. However, responses from the staff shows that though

equipment and materials for training programs are adequate, they were outmoded and lack

modern technology. Hence inmates who graduate from the training programs lack the modern

touch of the vocation learnt at the Borstal Home. Inmates visit workshop of training programs

four times in a week and the time for each day is two hours. The time for an effective learning of

programs like draught work, carpentry, ceramics and mechanics are three years. However, most

inmates stay at the home for less than three years. This implies that at the time of acquittal,

inmates are not equipped with all necessary skills to practice the vocation. This may lead to

31

inmates stopping the vocation or starting it over when they move out of the home. To further

buttress the point, 45.3 percent of inmates under various training programs admitted they cannot

practice the vocation as at the time of the survey.

The training programs are supposed to serve as a vocation after inmates leaves the Borstal Home.

Through the interview with the Deputy Director of the centre it was realized that some inmates

after the training, through registration could sit and obtained National Vocational Institute

Certificate while others where about to sit for their Basic Education Certificate Examination due

to the presence of Formal and Informal Education at the centre. However, for the full benefit of

this aim to be achieved, the training has to be effective and structured in a way to well equip

inmates even with a short stay. Concerning the training programs Figure 4.2 shows the intention

of inmates after they leave the home.

Figure 4.4.1 Intention of inmates after acquittal

Source: Field Survey, March 2012

32

The figure shows that 46.7 percent of inmates think that they need to build on the skills acquire

at the home to equip them with the necessary skills to practice the vocation. However 26.7

percent plan of ignoring the vocation after acquittal. The major reason being the unavailability of

interested vocation at the centre and hence the plan of pursuing those vocation after acquittal.

Counseling is one important way of reforming social deviants for the benefit of society and

inmates in particular. The survey shows that 40 percent of inmates were of the view that

counseling was not regular whiles 60 percent thought that counseling was regular. It further

shows that the staffs were mostly taking inmates through counseling and this constitute 65

percent whiles the clergy constitute 35 percent. However, from literature there is the need to

employ professionals to handle counseling sections to make reformation effective. However, 90

percent of the inmates thought that counseling section was interactive whiles 10 percent thought

that it was counselor centered. Further analysis shows that counseling sections of the clergy were

more counselors centered than that of the staff. This implies that the counseling sections of the

Borstal lack professionalism. Again 80 percent of the staff were ready to advice inmates on

issues of choosing a vocational training and living a life acceptable in society. This is good for

the rehabilitation process of the inmates.

4.5 Living and Environmental Conditions at the Borstal Home

Conditions at the home have an influence on the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. Harsh

conditions tend to make rehabilitation of inmates difficult and friendly conditions helps in an

effective rehabilitation. The living conditions of the home were assessed with the conditions of

the room, treatment by staff and food served. From the survey, 70 percent of inmates were of the

33

view that room condition was good whiles the rest thought it was fair. The criterion that had

below average assessment was food where only 35 percent of inmates thought the food was good

in terms of quantity and quality. Respondents who graded accommodation below average said

they laid on mattresses on the floor and had torn mosquito window nets.

Figure 4.3 gives the visual impression of the criteria and their assessment by inmates. In all, the

implication is that the conditions are good for an effective rehabilitation of convicts.

Room Food Treatment0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

PoorFairGood

Figure 4.5.1 Conditions at the Borstal Home

Source: Field Survey, March 2012.

34

On the part of the staff, 40 percent were of the view that food served were fair whiles 50 thought

it was better and 10 percent excellent. On accommodation 50 percent graded it above average

whiles 30 percent graded it as average and the rest below average.

4.6 Resource Capacity of the Borstal Home

An effective rehabilitation and reformation depends on the resources available. The resource

capacity of the institution was assessed using number of staff available, the qualification level,

room capacity and materials available for vocation training as well as finance. According to the

survey, the institution has twelve dormitories for accommodation of inmates which is in excess

of six. There is no room congestion as six dormitories are empty. However, materials and

equipment for the vocation training were adequate but outmoded. Lack of equipment also poses

a challenge on the institution for running vocation like auto electrician, electrical, welding.

Financially, the institution is handicapped in terms of providing daily meals and buying needed

materials. The Government of Ghana pays each inmate 60 pesewas a day and this serves as the

major fund for running the institution. The implication is that the quality of service the institution

can deliver has to be sacrificed.

The working staff is also another area of resource which is vital to the fulfillment of mission of

the objectives. The staff serves as agents for the reformation and rehabilitation process. The level

of qualification is directly related to the sense of professionalism shown at the institutions.

According to the Deputy Director of the Maamobi Borstal Home, the qualification of staff are

mostly O-level certification who go through a six months training before being employed as

Prison Officers who are attached to the centre.. The Staff is therefore not adequately equipped

35

with the professional skills needed for reformation and rehabilitation programs. Trainers in

various vocations do not have the modern skills since the level of qualification is at O-level.and

limited skills in the various vocations.

4.7 Social Relations of Inmates

The purpose of reformation and rehabilitation programs at the centre is to integrate the convicts

back into society. Inmates relationship within and outside the institution is very important to

their reintegration process. According to the survey, 60 percent receive periodic visitation from

family and friends whiles the 40 percent seems to have been ignored by relations outside the

centre. However, for effective reintegration of inmates back into society, love from their

relations is vital. The survey further shows that 80 percent of relations that visit inmates are

parents while friends and guardians constitute 10 percent. The implication of this is that

reintegration of the 40 percent inmates will be difficult and are likely to become outcast at the

end of their conviction.

Again, 35 percent of inmates confide in their parents when they are faced with problems, 20

percent in staff whiles 30 percent keep the problem to themselves. This poses some challenges

on the rehabilitation process since parents are not always in contact with inmates. When these

problems are kept within for a long time, it affects their social relations both within and outside

the centre. Table 4.2 shows who inmates confide in during times of problems:

36

Table 4.2 Inmates and who they trust

Relations Frequency percentage

Parents 7 35

Staff 4 20

Friends 3 15

Personal 6 30

Source: Field Survey, March 2012.

Nevertheless, the relationship between inmates and staff is not bad. The survey shows that 65

percent of inmates were of the view that relationship between inmates and staffs are cordial, 25

percent thinks that the relationship is friendly and 10 percent thinks is unfriendly. Data from the

staff also shows that relationship between inmates and staffs are cordial and friendly. This

implies that reformation and rehabilitation programs will be easier since there is a good

relationship between the inmates and staff which is the agent for reformation and rehabilitation.

On the issue of social relations outside the centre, 70 percent of staff admitted that organization

of sporting activities between inmates and the outside community were rare while 20 percent

were of the view that games with outside communities were enough. However, 75 percent of

inmates thought that games with outside communities were in rare cases and were of the view

that there should be quarterly organized games to help in their rehabilitation process and easy

reintegration. Through the interview it was realized that the centre had no practicing Social

Worker and Aftercare Agent who are in charge of welfare of inmates to properly plan

reformation, reintegration and a liaison between inmates, their families and the outside populace.

4.8 Challenges of the Borstal Home

37

The Maamobi Senior Boys Correctional Center is faced with problem of funding. The

center is funded by government because it is under the Ghana prison. As with other

correctional centers and adult prisons funds are not released on time. We just entered the

second d quarter of the year and funds for the first quarter have not been released as such

the center relies on charitable organizations most of the time for running the center.

Another challenged has to do with use of obsolete equipment for training inmates to

facilitate rehabilitation. It came to light that most of the equipment for the various trades

was non-existence, outmoded and therefore not in use.

Additionally, the center is ill-equipped with human resource in the training of inmates.

Currently the staffs of the Borstal institute are people who were attached to the center

from the prison service without specialized training. Management acknowledge the

urgent need for capacity building of staffs at the center to equip them with new ideas,

skills and expertise to broaden their scope and introduce new methods of training

inmates.

Furthermore, the center lacks the services of aftercare agents and social workers. These

personnel are in-charge of the welfare of inmates as well as coming out with intervention

strategy for reformation at the center. Reintegration, one of the core values of the center

is not given the desired attention it deserves due to lack of collaboration between the

Department of Social Welfare, the community and other stakeholders.

Finally, the center is faced with occasional escape of inmates coupled with the wrong

perception the public have concerning the center and inmates.

4.9 Research Questions

38

The research was of the view that if answers were found to pertinent questions concerning the

study area and the topic, it will go along way to inform conclusions to be drawn and

recommendations to come up with. In all two set of questions were asked. Inmate respondents

answered one part of the questions while the staffs of the center also answered the remaining set

of questions. The findings are outlined below.

1. Will effectiveness of programs designed at the centres impact positively on inmates? The

question attracted a 100% positive response from inmates. In other words inmate

respondents were of the view that both rehabilitation and reformation programs can

facilitate positive changes in the attitude of inmates. They further explanation was that

before committal most inmates were without a vocation but due to the institutionalization

of inmates they have been introduce to various trades that will equip them to be self

reliant and be useful to themselves and the community at large.

With the reformation, inmates were with the view that re-socialization where the societal

values and norms are re-instilled in them by making them aware that society abhors their

behavior. Through counseling and church activities with the clergy and staff, inmates

take a sober reflection of their lives and try to imbibe the societal norms to guide them

not to indulge in deviant behaviors again.

2. Is there a direct relationship between reformation, rehabilitation and resource capacity of

the centre? Out of the 100% of the staff, 88.9% were of the view that there was a direct

relationship because resources in the form of facilities, funds, equipment for training and

well trained personnel with the needed skills to impact on inmates as well as proper

counseling and intervention plan can facilitate change process in them. Moreover, the

39

availability of needed facilities makes inmates feel comfortable not rejected and

discriminated against. The 11.1% explained that the presence of the resources can help to

some extent but they believed that the onus lies in the individual to change from deviant

behavior to an acceptable way of life. In a nutshell the research questions in both cases

were largely accepted.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

5.0 Introduction

The research was undertaken at Maamobi Senior Boys Correctional Home and the topic was

centered on assessing the effectiveness of correctional centers in the performance of their roles in

juvenile justice administration. It was realized from an interview with the Deputy Director that

the centre is into the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into the larger

society. The study wanted to find out how effective the centre was in achieving the objectives.

The focus of the study was on assessing the programs, resource capacity, inmates social

relationship and challenges faced in achieving these 3-RS were and whether they are being

achieved effectively.

The study took into perspective the Social Theory on crime. The focus is on re-socialization of

inmates at the centre, by families and the larger society to imbibe in inmates the approved

societal norms and values. So the correctional centre was chosen as a reference point to know

how effective the reformation and rehabilitation program being pursued are likely to foster

attitudinal changes in inmates. To help arrive at the needed reformation, objectives centered on

40

the program’s effectiveness, resource capacity of the centre, relationship between inmates,

personnel and the outside world as well as the challenges being faced at the centre. The

information was put in a form of interview and questionnaire given to inmate respondents and

staff respondents for their responses.

The literature reviewed focused on juvenile justice system around the world, causes of juvenile

delinquency, reformation and rehabilitation programs around the world and the challenges faced

by the centre in its daily administration.

5.1 Summary of Findings

It was realized that inmates of average age of 18years were at the centre and over 70% were

living with either single parents or both before committal. Again, it came to light that from

observation and post immediate observation, inmates could enroll into any vocation of interest

such as carpentry, ceramics, draughtmanship, welding, mechanics, tailoring, shoe making and so

on.

Staff respondents agreed that the vocation is to transform and rehabilitate inmates to fit well into

society upon release. Most inmate respondent expressed the idea of building upon the skills

learnt or setting up workshop to make to make use of the skills acquired. The minority group

thought of furthering their education or ignoring the vocation learnt since the vocation they

actually wanted was not pursued at the centre.

From the study, it was realized that the centre was not having a well structured reformation

program where inmates are given proper counseling services with professionals. It was found out

that inmate received advice and counseling through representatives from the clergy who worship

with inmates as well as some staff.

41

On the living conditions in terms of food, there was mixed reactions from respondents. Whilst

some felt the food was of high quality, others felt it was of low quality and quantity. With

accommodation, almost all respondents felt it was good likewise the treatment inmates were

going through. The environmental atmosphere was serene because of the proper sanitary

condition and non overcrowding nature of the centre as seen in adult prisons.

On relationship, both staff and inmate respondents said there was a cordial relationship between

inmates and staff especially with inmates who portrayed positive change in behavior. Staff

respondent willingly advised inmates on the need to change from certain deviant behaviors. Most

inmates had relatives visiting them regularly whiles others have not had visitors since their

committal. Inmates rarely engaged in fun game with people outside the centre.

From the study, it was realized that specialists like clinical psychologist, aftercare agents, social

workers or professional counselors were not available at the centre. Moreover, the centre face

challenges with funding, inadequate tools and equipment and well equipped training officers.

5.2 Conclusion

The study has highlighted issues of rehabilitation and reformation of the juvenile offender at a

Correctional Centre and the importance of resource capacity. The study confirmed that the

resource capacity is directly related to the effectiveness and efficiency of correctional homes.

From the study, the researcher has come to a conclusion that the correctional centre in not a

“crime college” as it is being perceived outside the walls of the centre. This is because the centre

is not over crowded like adult prison and inmates have access to food three times daily as well as

having access to television in their dormitories even though its watching is controlled. More over

inmates go through rehabilitation programs to equip them with needed skills to be better off upon

42

release from the centre. The reformation programs being organized is not taken care of by

specialist. Reintegration though a major goal of the centre is not captured at all in their programs

because there is no Social Worker or After Care Agent to fully coordinate between the centre,

Department of Social Welfare, families and the larger society.

5.3 Recommendation

First and foremost, as a way of curbing juvenile delinquencies, some of the root causes should be

looked into and solutions found to them. From the study, it was found out that most inmates were

either living with a single parent or both. Parents are encouraged to spend more time with their

wards and instill in them societal values that are acceptable. More so, parents should be aware of

the friends their children move with both in school and in the neighborhood. There should be

mass education on the print and electronic media on the moral decadence in our society and

educate parents on various parenting styles and skills and socialization to instill in the young

ones the norms and values of the society.

At the correctional centre, reformation programs should be carried out vigorously along side

rehabilitation programs. As such a social worker, clinical psychologist and aftercare agent should

be employed to carefully plan out reformation programs and other intervention strategies for

individual inmate as well as the group as a whole to go hand in hand with church activities

organized at the centre. Again, fun games should be organized for inmates and people out side

the centre to reduce the level of apathy, stigmatization and abandonment inmates may be feeling.

Staff more importantly those under the various vocation should be well equipped and given

43

constant workshops and refresher courses in their areas of specialty as well as on English

language to be abreast of the dynamic environment.

Furthermore, there should be awareness creation and constant education on the media about the

role and operation of the centre to change the wrong perception the public have about the centre.

Moreover, the centre should be opened to the public to learn more of their operations.

Government should increase the daily money allocated to each inmate now purged at (GHp0.60).

These funds should be released on time since it was realized that funds allocated were not

released on time making the centre rely on benevolent institutions its running. Furthermore, there

should be routine maintenance such as painting, spraying the dormitories, changing the worn out

nets as well as resourcing the centre with modern tools and equipment to facilitate rehabilitation

programs. Additionally, Government should ensure that the Department of Social Welfare liaise

with the Correctional Centre, the families of inmates and other stake holders to properly plan

reintegration of juvenile offenders for them to fit well in the society. More importantly, other

alternate sources of punishment other than incarceration of inmates such as community service

and probation should be introduced. As such more Probation Officers and Social Workers should

be trained to supervise and plan programs to help reform young offenders. As a matter of

urgency, Government should attach aftercare agents and social workers to attend to reformation

and welfare needs of inmates. On the other hand, more Non Governmental Agencies (NGOs)

should come to the aid of the centre in their quest to rehabilitate and reform inmates by providing

both in cash and in kind.

44

Finally civil society should be educated to refrain from discrimination and stigmatization against

inmates but rather show concern and acceptance towards them since it will help prevent inmates

from drifting back to deviant behaviors.

REFERENCES

45

A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Law in the Faculty

of Law of the University of the Western Cape, South Africa by ODONGO GODFREY

ODHIAMBO

Antwi Bosiakoh, T(2005). Modelling Sutherland’s Differential Association theory at Micro

Level: A Study of Juvenile Delinquents at Ghana Borstal Institute. Project work submitted to the

Department of Sociology, University of Ghana, Legon.

Juvenile Justice Act, 2003 of Ghana, (Act 563)

Bachara, G.H and Zaba, J.N (2007) – Learning Disabilities and Juvenile Delinquency.

Retrieved from http://cad.sagepub.com/content/early/2009/05/27/pdf on April 24 2011

Burgess RL, Akers RL(1996). Differential Association-Reinforcement Theory of Criminal

Behaviour. Social Problems, 14(2): 128-147Problems, 14(2): 128-147. Assessed from

http://cjp.sagepub.com/content/17/2/127 on April 2011.s

David Nosworthy (2009), Seen, but not Heard: Placing Children and Youth on the Security

Governance Agenda, Transaction Publishers Rutgers University USA.

Gibbons D (1999). The Criminological Enterprise. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Glaser D (2003). Criminal Theories and Behavioral Images. Am. J. Sociology., 61: 433-444.

Retrieved from http://www.jcu.edu.au/tldinfo/writingskills/models/papers/SY2003essay1.pdf on

April 2011

46

Grande, C.G and Koorland, M.A (2005) A complex Issue; Special Education in Correction.

Children and Youth Service Review.

Griffin BS, Griffin CT (1999). Differential Association and Marijuana Use. Paper presented at

the Midwest Sociological Society meeting (April 25-28, 1973, Milwaukee, Wisconsin).

Gunter WD (2006). Internet Piracy and College Students: A Test of Differential Association and

Other Theories. Paper presented at theAnnual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology

(ASC), Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA, Nov 01, 2006

Hirschi,Travis(1969). Juvenile Delinquency .Berkeley :University of California press.

Kim YS, Lo C, Church WT (2005). An Examination of Differential Association Theory with

Different Social Contexts: Urban, Suburban, and Rural Areas. Paper presented at the annual

meeting of the American Society of Criminology, Royal York, Toronto

Police, Schools and Crime Prevention: A preliminary review of current practices. – ICPC, 2004.

Lotz Poole Regoli, (1985). Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice. By Random House Inc

USA

Preston Elrod, R Scott Ryder (2009) Juvenile Justice A social, Historical and Legal Perspective

Assessed from http://www.alibris.com/search/books/qwork/3488989/used/Juvenile%20Justice%

on May 2011.

47

Robert J Brym and John Lie: 2nd Edition Sociology Your Compass for New World Retrieved

from http://www.amazon.com/Sociology-Your-Compass-World-Brief/dp/0495096334 on

May 2011.

UN Economic and Social Council, Resolution 2005/20, Guidelines on Justice in Matters

involving Child Victims and Witnesses of Crime (New York: 2005), http://www.un.org/

docs/.pdf (accessed March 2011).

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APPENDIX

UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION WINNEBA-KUMASI CAMPUS

A questionnaire designed for the department of Business Management

The researcher is a student of the University of Education Winneba-K’si undertaking a research

on the resource capacity as well as the Role of the correctional institute in reforming and

rehabilitating inmates. As part of data collection exercise, questionnaires would be administered

soliciting information from both inmates and personnel. I would appreciate it if you respond to

the questions below:

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR INMATES

DEMOGRAPHY

(1) Age: ……………………………………………

(2) Nationality

a. Ghanaian [ ]

b. Other specify ………………………………………….

(3) What is your level of education?

a. JHS [ ]

b. SHS [ ]

c. Other specify [ ]

(4) Who were you staying with before your commital?

49

a. Mother [ ]

b. Father [ ]

c. Both Parent [ ]

d. Guardian [ ]

OFFENCES

(5) Have you ever come into conflict with the law?

a. Yes [ ]

b. No [ ]

(6) How many times have you been in conflict with the law?

a. Once [ ]

b. Twice [ ]

c. More than twice [ ]

(7) What kind of offence brought you to the centre?

a. Theft [ ]

b. Assault [ ]

c. Defilement [ ]

d. Unlawful entry [ ]

(8) How long have you been in the correctional centre? ……………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………..

REHABILITATION PROGRAMS

(9) Are you into any trade or vocation?

50

a. Yes [ ]

b. No [ ]

(10) Whose decision was it to learn that trade?

a. Self [ ]

b. Staff [ ]

c. Parent /guardian [ ]

(11) Are the equipment and resources for the program available?

a. Yes [ ]

b. No [ ]

c. Other ……………………………………………………………………………

(12) How many times do you go for training in a week? Specify

………………………………………………………………..……………

(13) Can you practice the skills you have learned?

a. Yes [ ]

b. No [ ]

(14) Do you encounter problems in learning the trade?

a. Yes [ ]

b. No [ ]

(15) How do you intend to utilize your skill upon release?

a. Ignore it [ ]

b. Build upon it [ ]

c. Set up work shop [ ]

LIVING CONDITIONS

51

(16) How would you describe the living conditions at centre in terms of

i. Food;

a. poor [ ]

b. fair [ ]

c. good [ ]

d. excellent [ ]

ii. Room;

a. Poor [ ]

b. Fair [ ]

c. Good [ ]

d. Excellent [ ]

iii. Treatment

a. Poor [ ]

b. Fair [ ]

c. Good [ ]

d. Excellent [ ]

RELATIONSHIP

(17) Do you receive visitors?

a. Yes [ ]

b. No [ ]

(18) Who normally pays you a visit

a. Parents [ ]

b. Guardian [ ]

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c. Friends [ ]

d. No one [ ]

(19) Who do you confide in when faced with challenges?

a. Parents [ ]

b. Staff [ ]

c. Friends [ ]

d. None of the above [ ]

(20) How would you describe the relationship between staff and inmates?

a. Unfriendly [ ]

b. Cordial [ ]

c. Friendly [ ]

REFORMATION PROGRAMS

(21) How often do you go for counseling?

a. Rarely [ ]

b. Often [ ]

c. Frequently [ ]

d. Always [ ]

(22) Who takes inmates through counseling?

a. Staff [ ]

b. Professional counselor [ ]

c. Other specify……………………………………………………………………………

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(23) How is the counseling session like?

a. Interactive [ ]

b. Counselor centred [ ]

c. Other, specify ……………………………………………………………………..

(24) What have learnt from your stay at the center?

………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………

(25) Suggest ways of making the centre effective in the discharge of their duties.

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………

(26) Do you think programs instituted at the centre will enhance inmates rehabilitation

and reformation?

a. Yes [ ]

b. No [ ]

QUESTIONNARE FOR STAFF

1. Sex: a. Male [ ] b. Female [ ]

2. How long have you supervise inmates? ................................................................................

3. Do you live at the centre? a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

4. What is your area of specialty? ……………………………………………………………

Rehabilitation programs

5. How many inmates are under your care? …………………………………………………..

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6. Does your department have the necessary materials for training?

a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]

7. If No, which materials /equipment are not available? …………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

8. What is the minimum requirement for admission in the trade?

a. JHS Level [ ]

b. Interest [ ]

c. Ability to read and write [ ]

d. Other ………………………………………………………………………………………

9. Could you please state some of the impact the training has on inmates?

…………………………………………………………………...

10. How long does it take one to be more equipped? ………………………………………

..........................................................................................................................................

11. Describe the motive of the training provided……………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

RELATIONSHIP

12. What is the level of interaction between staff and inmates?

a. Unfriendly [ ] b. cordial [ ] c. friendly [ ]

13. Do you willingly advice inmates? a. Yes [ ] No [ ]

55

14. If yes, what does the advice border

on? .........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................

15. How often do inmates engage in games with people outside the centre?

a. Rarely [ ] b. often [ ] c. frequently [ ] d. always [ ]

CHALLENGES

16. Outline the challenges in the area of:

a. Program equipment

i. Non-available

ii. Obsolete

iii. Inadequate

iv. Adequate

b. Food

i. Poor

ii. Fair

iii. Good

iv. Excellent

c. Accommodation

i. Poor

ii. Fair

iii. Good

iv. Excellent

17. What should be brought on board to make the training more effective? ………..

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………………………………………………………………………………………………

18. What should be done to improve the image of the centre to the rest of the citizenry?..........

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

19. What are the intended outcomes of the training?

………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………

20. Is there a direct relationship between resource capacity and Reformation and

Rehabilitation of inmates?s

a. yes[ ]

b. no[ ]

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INTERVIEW GUIDE

1. What are the roles of the correctional centre?

2. Has the institution put in place programs to reform and rehabilitate inmates?

3. Identify some of these programs.

4. What are the qualification and duties of officers?

5. Has the institute a professional and practicing social worker and aftercare agent?

6. Can you outline some of the benefits the programs have on inmates

58