RESET project equips young people at senior correctional centre

practical skills and resources needed to build productive and financially independent lives after their release.

The initiative, known as RESET — Rise to Economic Security, Empowerment and Transformation, was initiated by researchers from the University of North Carolina (UNC) in partnership with the University of Ghana’s Department of Social Work and the Senior Correctional Centre (SCC), with Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC as the

sole

financial institution supporting the project.

Delivered through 12 structured modules, RESET combines research, rehabilitation, financial education and access to formal financial services to help participants make informed financial decisions and prepare for sustainable livelihoods.

Professor David Ansong of the University of North Carolina and Lead Researcher on the project said RESET addresses a critical aspect of the reintegration process.

“Successful reintegration requires more than rehabilitation within a correctional setting. Young people also need the ability to make and act on financial decisions as they rebuild their lives after release. That depends not only on knowledge and confidence, but also on access to financial services, resources and meaningful economic opportunities.

RESET brings together these core elements of financial capability and asset building to help participants translate their skills and aspirations into sustainable livelihoods and greater economic independence,” Professor Ansong stated.

The project leadership team included Mr. Emmanuel Amoako, a co-investigator at UNC, and DSP Eugene Ohene-Tutu and CSP Helen Korkor Quarcoo, the resident project leads at the SCC, and Mrs. Genevieve Aboney, the project lead at Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC.

From Financial Knowledge to Economic Opportunity

The programme was delivered by Republic Bank staff as volunteers and covered essential areas such as budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing, financial decision-making, entrepreneurship and planning for the future.

Beyond classroom learning, bank accounts have been opened for all participating beneficiaries, providing them with formal access to financial services. Each beneficiary will also receive seed funding to support the establishment of a small workshop or other livelihood activity upon release.

This support is intended to help participants translate the vocational skills acquired at the Senior Correctional Centre into viable income-generating ventures and sustainable livelihoods.

During an interaction with the participants following their completion of the programme, the Managing Director of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, Dr Benjamin Dzoboku, congratulated them on the milestone and encouraged them to apply their newly acquired knowledge as they prepare to reintegrate into society.

“RESET is fundamentally about second chances and the opportunity to begin again with purpose. We want these young people to leave the Centre not only with vocational skills, but also with the financial capability, confidence and practical support needed to build productive lives. Their past should not define their future,” Dr Dzoboku said.

He added that the provision of bank accounts and seed funding was critical to converting the participants’ learning into meaningful economic activity.

“Financial inclusion must go beyond opening an account. It must empower people with the knowledge and opportunity to use financial services effectively, manage their resources responsibly and build sustainable livelihoods.

The seed funding will provide a practical starting point for participants to put the lessons and skills acquired through RESET into action,” he stated.

Strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration

DDP Yayra Ashong-Mettle (Mrs), Officer-in-Charge of the Senior Correctional Centre, said the initiative complements the Centre’s rehabilitation programmes by preparing participants for meaningful economic engagement after their release.

“Rehabilitation must ultimately prepare individuals to return to society with purpose, confidence and the ability to contribute positively. RESET strengthens our work by equipping these young people with practical financial and entrepreneurial skills to support a successful transition into independent living,” she said.

Dr Abena Ampomah of the University of Ghana’s Department of Social Work and Co-Principal Investigator of the project highlighted the importance of translating academic research into interventions that address real social challenges.

“The RESET Project demonstrates how research, education and institutional collaboration can produce practical solutions for vulnerable populations. By strengthening the financial capability of participants and connecting them to real economic opportunities, we are improving their prospects for sustainable reintegration,” Dr Ampomah stated.

Republic Bank advances inclusive banking

RESET seeks to provide a practical pathway for participants to establish sustainable livelihoods and contribute positively to their families and communities. As the project’s sole financial institution, Republic Bank has played a central role in delivering the financial capability programme and connecting participants to formal financial services.

The Bank’s involvement forms part of its broader commitment to financial inclusion, youth empowerment and the creation of opportunities for underserved individuals to participate meaningfully in the economy.

The completion of the 12-module programme marks an important milestone, but not the end of the RESET journey. The intervention includes planned mentorship and post-release engagement to help participants transition from correctional care to independent and productive living.

Through its combination of financial capability training, vocational skills, formal bank accounts, seed funding and continuing support.

The project partners believe that effective rehabilitation must be supported by genuine opportunity. For the participants, completing the programme represents more than the end of a course; it signals the beginning of a new chapter founded on knowledge, opportunity, responsibility and hope.

RESET is part of

FCAB Africa

, a continent-wide research initiative advancing financial capability and asset building as foundations for lasting economic resilience and financial well-being across Africa.

Led by the University of North Carolina, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis, FCAB Africa brings together rigorous research and regional partnership to address the structural barriers that have long constrained the economic security of marginalized populations. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).