Why I Earned a Degree in a Ghanaian Prison — A Nigerian's Story

A man from Nigeria, Frank Robert, recounts BIODUN BUSARI regarding his conviction, incarceration, and the path to obtaining his Bachelor...

A man from Nigeria, Frank Robert, recountsBIODUN BUSARIregarding his conviction, incarceration, and the path to obtaining his Bachelor's degree while remaining in a Ghanaian prison

When did you move to Ghana?

I departed from Nigeria in 1998 when I was 20 years old. Later, I moved from Ghana to Tanzania in 2008, and then came back to Ghana for the second time in 2016. I made this choice deliberately after getting married that year, so I could be with my family. It wasn't a tough decision, since Ghana was the country where I first started my life in 2006.

What has it been like coming back to Nigeria after spending a long time in Ghana?

I find it difficult to clearly identify the differences between Nigeria and Ghana. The fact that I grew up in Ghana makes it easier for me to adapt to living there compared to Nigeria, which I left when I was 20 years old. My family resides in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, meaning that since my marriage, I have spent more time there than in Ghana. Both nations have similarities that would appeal to people from either country.

What crime led to your imprisonment in a Ghanaian jail?

My crime was illegal advertising. I was involved in the pharmaceutical industry in Ghana, importing medicines from Nigeria to supply to pharmacies. On a significant day at Okaishie Drug Lane, where we typically wait for clients, someone called me pretending to be a buyer. He asked me to assist him in purchasing certain items. I informed him that I didn't sell those, but I had a friend who did. He pleaded with me to obtain them for him, unaware that they were actually police officers and members of the Food and Drugs Authority conducting an operation to apprehend individuals selling restricted substances such as tramadol and fake medications.

I was on the verge of being released from court after it was confirmed that the items found on me were not banned. However, as a Nigerian, I was given an extra charge of unlawful advertisement, which I had no knowledge of. No proof was provided to establish my guilt, but the judge used his discretion to sentence me to 15 years in prison, on May 2, 2019, with the possibility of a N15m fine.

Did you appeal it?

Yes. I was represented by a lawyer during my trial. My appeal is still in progress. All I am seeking is my freedom so I can begin a new life and look after my family.

What have you learned during your time in jail?

I have gained significant knowledge. It is a setting that provides sufficient time to make well-considered choices. Secondly, it presents the chance to alter one's view on life. Being in prison also helped me understand that it is not solely for criminals; occasionally, innocent individuals find themselves there just because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Where did you first learn about the classes offered in prison?

I had already enrolled in an industrial technology program in 2019, the same year I was sent to prison. Later, a non-governmental organization suggested launching a university program at Nsawam Medium Security Prison. The prison authorities eventually made it official and encouraged eligible inmates to sign up. That is how I became part of it.

The non-profit organization that supported the program is the Plan Volta Foundation. It worked with the Ghana Prison Service in partnership with the University of Cape Coast. UCC also contributed approximately GHC 2.5 million by exempting tuition fees and offering additional assistance to maintain the project.

What did you study?

I pursued studies in Business and Management. By the grace of God, I completed my degree with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.1, earning a Third Class Honours in the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Management.

What was your method of attending classes?

Our classes took place from 6 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays. The program was organized by the UCC College of Distance Education. We attended in-person lectures.

What inspired you to begin the degree program?

My drive stemmed from viewing it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance I couldn't afford to overlook. Not continuing to higher education after high school was one of my greatest regrets, which I attributed to my difficult upbringing. Therefore, when I learned about the program, it felt like a much-needed respite.

What would you say about the process of obtaining a degree while incarcerated?

Obtaining my degree while in prison has been a point of pride. It demonstrates that I did not let my situation determine who I am and illustrates to others that making errors does not mean you are forever defined by them. Some inmates give you strange looks when they learn you are a graduate, some express admiration, while others think you feel more important. However, truly, it's just nice to have something substantial to discuss after leaving prison, rather than the typical cell and block topics.

The program has also assisted by providing me with methods to control my anger and feelings. It also showed me how to improve my communication skills.

What abilities or understanding have you acquired that you are most satisfied with?

Certainly. I would describe organizational behavior, project management, and personal management skills.

The field of organizational behavior focuses on human actions within workplace environments. It explores the connections among individuals, teams, and companies, with the goal of enhancing productivity, employee happiness, and general efficiency. It enables you to grasp concepts like motivation, communication, leadership, and company culture, as well as how people collaborate and interact.

Self-regulation entails the capacity to manage one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It includes establishing objectives, organizing responsibilities, utilizing time efficiently, and cultivating routines that foster both personal and career development.

These abilities enable you to stay concentrated, driven, and efficient, while assisting you in maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal responsibilities.

The practice of project management entails the planning, arrangement, and oversight of resources to meet particular objectives within a set timeframe and financial limit. It includes aligning individuals, activities, and assets to guarantee successful completion while adhering to scope, schedule, cost, and quality standards. Strong project management promotes efficiency, contentment among stakeholders, and the attainment of anticipated outcomes.

Would you like to remain in Ghana or relocate to a different country after completing your sentence?

No matter what occurs, I still wish to stay in Ghana, but not in the same profession, due to the associated dangers. That said, I can't exclude the chance of improved prospects elsewhere. Above all, I need to go back to Nigeria to visit my family before deciding on anything else.

What was your family's response upon learning about your graduation?

There was happiness everywhere, particularly for my wife, who had consistently supported me from the start to discover something purposeful to occupy my time and stop me from overthinking what had occurred to me.

In what way would you like to make a difference in the world?

I don't have much to share at the moment until the right chance arises. Nevertheless, considering my academic background, I am prepared to make valuable contributions in any field where I'm needed.

What motivated you to select the course you pursued?

I opted for Business and Management as it closely matches my career passions. I have a strong interest in all aspects of business and excel in this area. The management component especially inspired me, as my background limited my ability to launch a business with adequate funding. I feel that by acquiring solid management skills, I can create policies and strategies to effectively operate any business, irrespective of the financial resources available.

What did your everyday study schedule look like while you were at the facility?

Our daily schedule is identical for all. We exit at the same time and enter at the same time, somewhat resembling a school system.

I used to go to the library between 8:30 am and 12 pm. While others engaged in sports like football, basketball, or volleyball, some were involved in religious activities. There are a tailoring shop, a carpentry shop, and an electrical shop where prisoners work every day. Some pass their time by playing cards or draughts. As we prepare our own meals, others head to their food-selling businesses. This is the daily schedule here in the prison.

What difficulties did you encounter while pursuing your education behind bars?

The obstacles are significant. Indeed, they are the primary reasons why many prisoners do not participate in educational programs. Providing meals is the most pressing problem. It is challenging to find time to eat due to the hours we depart from the dormitory and the hours we are required to be back. Some individuals skip food all day just to prevent missing classes, as our break period is only 30 minutes.

Another difficulty is the absence of water availability for washing after school, as the closing period overlaps with our return time, and staff members prevent us from going out. Attending this school demands perseverance and a strong mindset.

The most difficult aspect is that the officers do not back us. Several of them are discontented because we are obtaining degrees, credentials that some of them lack.

Don't the prison officials offer any assistance?

The sole assistance provided by the prison administration is the permission for the school to function. Certain staff members also benefit from the initiative. Nevertheless, they hinder our progress by prohibiting the use of phones for research purposes. While working on our projects, we were not allowed to use our mobile devices, which had a detrimental impact on our academic performance. These restrictions were sufficient to deter many individuals, but through faith and perseverance, we managed to achieve success.

Which digital resources or educational content were you permitted to access?

We received complimentary modules and textbooks. A significant portion of our learning took place online, particularly for those who owned mobile phones. Instructors visited just two days each week, and on the other days, we depended on the modules and our phones to continue our studies.

What impact has obtaining the degree had on your future plans?

It hasn't affected my plans since I am aware that I will encounter stigma as a former inmate. It is often challenging for individuals to trust ex-convicts in terms of job opportunities. The degree will primarily assist me in managing my own business once I regain my freedom shortly. Most importantly, I am now able to support my children with their schoolwork.

Have you experienced any disagreements with guards or other prisoners?

I haven't experienced any escalated disputes with any officer since my arrival. The most frequent source of conflict is when officers take inmates' phones. I've had some problems regarding this, but none have been escalated. I am generally willing to comply and avoid arguments due to my experiences as a traveler.

Is there someone you care about who is currently in jail?

Certainly, I have acquaintances from my school days. I also know a few people from Nigeria, but not very well, as I find it difficult to maintain friendships when our perspectives differ.

What suggestion do you have for Nigerians in Ghana?

They need to be extremely cautious about getting entangled in any matter that might result in legal proceedings. Managing a case in Ghana is as costly as applying for an American visa. Most importantly, Nigerians should be aware that some Ghanaian citizens hold an unfavorable opinion of them, and judges are no different. This is the reason why Nigerians are frequently viewed as criminals.

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