An ex-convict has revealed that societal stigma and economic hardship have at times made him consider returning to the life that landed him in prison.
Speaking on Oyerepa FM with Nana Yaw Mensah Joel, the man, who served a seven-year sentence, said financial difficulties and lack of support on the outside have been major challenges for him and also other ex-convicts.
“It has come to mind for me to return to the life that sent me into prison. This is because there are times when I don’t have money on me. Things become tough and there is nothing I could do about it. When these happen, I begin to think about this fact,” he said.
Despite these challenges, he said the inspiration he now provides to others keeps him from returning to criminal activities.
“But the thought of me now being the source of inspiration to many people prevents me from going back. I have been getting testimonies from my shared stories, so I would not go back,” he added.
He also spoke about the difficulties of reintegration into society after long periods of incarceration.
“Spending seven years and coming back, it has not been easy, but not as compared to life in prison. People would want to go back because they had stayed there for a long time and had built a family and friends there. Coming out to meet no family and friends would make them want to go back. Also, your eating and place to sleep becomes a problem. If the society does not welcome them, they go back,” he explained.
The ex-convict emphasised that returning citizens should not be judged harshly, and that prison can change people in positive ways.
“So that is why I always tell society that if someone goes to prison and returns, the person is not a bad person because before most of them come out, they would have been changed.” He said.
He further urged the public to change how they view prisoners.
“People can change, so people should not look down on prisoners. As a matter of fact, it is not all prisoners who committed a crime; some are innocent people who have been wrongly accused,” he concluded.
