Beyond the Walls: Producers raise funds for Nsawam Prison project

The play ‘Beyond the Walls’ aims to do more than entertain. It seeks to raise funds for psychological support at Nsawam Female Prison.

Director Naa Ashorkor announced this during performances on March 29 and 30, 2025. She explained that the project helps rehabilitate women in prison. Many inmates feel depressed and forgotten when they arrive.

The facility will provide mental health support for incoming and outgoing inmates. Families will also be invited for counseling to aid reintegration into society.

‘Beyond the Walls’ addresses injustices in Ghana's prison system. The play uses humor to share true stories from Nsawam Female Prison. Various accounts are woven together to highlight its themes.

One story features a woman who visits Ghana for the holidays. She falls in love with a Ghanaian man who gives her a suitcase of kente fabric. At Kotoka Airport, she is arrested and taken to prison.

Another story tells of a woman imprisoned for stealing from her church. After switching churches, she discovers corruption among leaders and succumbs to temptation.

Amina’s story is particularly striking; she hesitates to leave prison even after amnesty. Having served eight years, she faces rejection from her family and finds safety within the prison walls.

Naa Ashorkor shared that Fair Justice Initiative inspired this project. They initially planned a Christmas performance for inmates last December.

After visiting Nsawam Female Prison, Naa and writer George Quaye decided to tell the women's stories through their performances instead of just entertaining them.

In December, inmates acted in the play alongside professional actors. After hearing Amina's story, they felt it was important for others to hear these experiences too.

Written by George Quaye, 'Beyond the Walls' was produced by Image Bureau and April Communications. The project received support from United Nations Family in Ghana, Stanbic Bank, and Joy 99.7FM.