The Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana Prisons Service has recaptured a convict, Adams Ibrahim, who escaped from lawful custody while on external labour duty at Sokoban in Kumasi last week.
Ibrahim, who escaped on Monday, September 21, 2026, was subsequently recaptured at his hometown, Atwima Twedie, and is currently back in the custody of the Ghana Prisons Service.
A CID officer has been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding the escape, while Ibrahim is expected to be taken to court to face a fresh charge of escaping from lawful custody.
Ibrahim was originally convicted of stealing and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment in default of paying a fine of GH¢3,600. He had spent three months of his initial sentence.
The Prisons Service says stealing is classified as a minor or misdemeanour offence under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and inmates serving sentences for such offences are generally considered less risky to public safety.
According to the Service, based on Ibrahim’s original sentence, he would have served less than four months before his release.
The recapture followed what the Ashanti Regional Command described as a swift and coordinated response by its officers, supported by vigilance, courage and teamwork.
Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Kumasi Central Prison on Friday, September 25, 2026, Ashanti Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service, Deputy Director of Prisons DDP James Mwinyelle, commended the officers involved in the operation.
Twenty officers who played key roles in the recapture were honoured.
They comprised one Corporal, 17 Lance Corporals and two Second Class Officers.
The officers received letters of commendation and undisclosed monetary awards in recognition of their gallantry.
Deputy Director of Prisons Mwinyelle urged the officers to regard the recognition as motivation to continue upholding the Service’s core values of security, safety and discipline.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration, quick response and adherence to standard operating procedures in dealing with security breaches.
Investigations are however ongoing to establish circumstances leading to his escape.
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