Probation sentencing and juvenile re-offending in Ghana: The perspectives of juvenile justice practitioners

Prince Boamah  Abrah; Jones Adu-Gyamfi

Prince Boamah Abrah Department of Social Welfare, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Accra, Ghana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6451-8755
Jones Adu-Gyamfi Department of Social Work, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5339-9217

Keywords: Juvenile delinquency, Probation officers, re-offending, Probation

Abstract

This study investigates probation sentences and juvenile reoffending in Ghana, drawing on the opinions of Probation Officers at the Department of Social welfare in Accra. Drawing on phenomenological research methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 Probation Officers to obtain their views on the effectiveness of probation in Ghana. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data. The results reveal the factors which predispose juveniles to commit crime: delinquent peer association, poverty, and lack of parental supervision. The roles played by probation officers are also discussed in the article. Additionally, location/residential change, involving probationers in decision making and providing for the material needs of probationers were some of the factors found to reduce reoffending. Finally, the challenges that probation officers encounter are discussed. The study strengthens the debates on what works to reduce reoffending among probationers.