JUVENILE PRISONS OR ESPORTS ARENAS AS YOUTH CENTERS?
Yesterday, during my presentation at November Numeric, a global event organised by Alliance Française Accra and Leti Arts, I reflected on an issue that deeply concerns me: the rising number of young people ending up in prison.
The big question on my mind this morning… “SHOULD WE BUILD MORE PRISONS, OR CAN WE BUILD ESPORTS ARENAS THAT PROVIDE SAFE SPACE FOR DIGITAL YOUTH CULTURE & EMPOWERMENT?”
Could you allow me to think aloud?
When youth face prolonged idleness combined with unemployment and lack of opportunity, the risk of engaging in harmful behaviour increases. This often leads to a cycle of arrest, imprisonment, and, in many cases, re-offence.
Inside prison, many pick up even harder habits, making reintegration even more difficult. But I believe strongly that #Esports can serve as a preventive and rehabilitative pathway.
Esports harnesses youth energy and enthusiasm and channels it into:
1. Skill development
2. Digital literacy
3. Creativity
4. Teamwork
5. Rewards
6. Better Livelihoods
Professional pathways and entrepreneurship sit at the intersection of entertainment, technology, sports, and the creative & digital economies, a powerful blend that resonates with today’s youth.
If we can reimagine Esports not just as competition but as community and societal development, we can build:
1. Esports Community Centers
2. Youth Digital Skills Hubs
3. And one day, a National Esports Convention Centre (NECC)
A space where young people are empowered, skilled, inspired, and connected to purpose.
I see HOPE in using Esports as a tool for rehabilitation and reintegration, creating communities that support young people rather than allowing them to relapse into environments that lead to prison.
Today, I am thinking forward not just about Esports as a sport, but as a vehicle for social change and a better future for our youth.
Kwesi Hayford here…
My Mid-morning reflections
More Vim.
Stay positive always.
Think Good.