Nana Gyasi, a Ghanaian currently living in Manchester, United Kingdom, has been serving as a prison officer for the past two years. Before moving to the UK, he worked as a teacher at Abodease Junior High School in Mankranso, Ghana, for about five years. Teaching, he says, is his passion.
He came to the UK on a study leave opportunity through the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) program, facilitated by the Asante Students’ Union and a mentor he refers to as Nana Konadu. Like many others, he came as a dependant through the support of these networks.
Upon arrival in the UK, things didn’t start smoothly. Nana had paid a woman in advance to secure accommodation for him. However, upon arrival, she refused him access to the house, having already rented it out at a higher price. Fortunately, another woman and her husband welcomed him into their home and even refunded the money he had lost.
He later moved to Birmingham, where he took on warehouse jobs until he discovered an opportunity with the UK prison service. Although he initially doubted it would work, he decided to apply, completed the exam, and was selected for an interview — a rigorous two-hour session with five stages. After passing, he underwent medicals and training at the prison college, learning practicals, shadowing officers, and understanding procedures.
The entire process took about five months. Nana recalls how he was the only Black officer at his facility when he started. Adjusting was tough, especially because of his accent. Over time, he introduced two other Nigerians to the job, and within months, 12 more Nigerians had joined.
He emphasizes that the prison service is a great opportunity for Ghanaians, who often prefer warehouse or menial jobs instead. “You don’t need formal qualifications,” he says. “There are roles like secretary, administrator, carpenter, mason — all within the service. And surprisingly, prisoners are often more respectful and human than people on the outside.”
Nana explains that the UK prison service offers a lot of benefits. For instance, during “bed watch” shifts — monitoring hospitalized inmates — one can earn double pay. On a day off, officers can contact other prisons and work an eight-hour bed watch shift, earning up to £200 a day. One Ghanaian couple he knows earned £7,000 in three months from such shifts before transitioning fully to the service.
“You can make over £4,000 a month with overtime,” Nana notes. “Normal shifts earn less, but four bed watch days can give you up to £3,500. Whites rarely do overtime, but many Black officers take it up. You can work four days a week and still live comfortably.”
He adds that the prison service provides education sponsorships, pays for travel during shifts at different facilities, and even offers bonuses when you refer someone to the job. Transfers are rare unless requested.
Nana also warns about social distractions:
“One guy dated a sugar mummy and ended up in legal trouble after a breakup. He was arrested in London. We all need to stay focused, follow our dreams, and plan to return and invest in Ghana. Women are few here, but remember — we came for the cash.”
For anyone interested, he recommends checking out opportunities at: jobs.justice.gov.uk
Watch The Video Below:
About The Author
