'Beyond the Walls' exposes cracks in Ghana's prison system

"Beyond the Walls" is a play about injustices in Ghana's prison system. It was staged at the National Theatre on March 29 and 30, 2025.

The play uses humor to share true stories from inmates at Nsawam Female Prison. Various accounts are woven together to highlight its main theme.

One story follows a young woman who visits Ghana for the holidays. She falls in love with a Ghanaian man. Before leaving, he gives her a suitcase of kente fabric for his mother abroad. At Kotoka Airport, she is arrested and taken to prison.

Another story features a woman imprisoned for stealing money from her church. After switching churches, she discovers some leaders engage in shady activities. This leads her to steal from the new church as well.

Amina’s story is particularly surprising. Even after receiving amnesty, she refuses to go home. She faces stigma and rejection from her family. Having served eight years before, prison feels like her safe haven now.

Naa Ashorkor directed the play and shared its inspiration came from Fair Justice Initiative. "In December last year, they invited us to entertain inmates for Christmas," she explained.

Naa and writer George Quaye visited Nsawam Female Prison and heard many stories there. They decided instead of performing for inmates, they would tell their stories through the play.

"In December, the inmates acted in the play alongside our professional actors," Naa noted.

Initially, George wrote it just for Nsawam Prison's audience. However, after hearing Amina's story, they felt these narratives needed wider exposure.

Their goal was not only entertainment but also promoting inmate wellbeing. They aimed to support rehabilitation efforts already underway at the prison.

The project focuses on helping women integrate into society after release. Many feel depressed or broken when returning home due to past experiences.

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

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