Inside the web of violence: uncovering Ghana's social roots of crime through voices of family, peers, and prison officials

Abstract

Introduction Crime has long been a persistent feature of human societies and has become a growing public concern in contemporary society, with its impact on community life and well-being. The influence of social ties with family, friends, and broader society on an individual's propensity toward or away from criminal behavior is often underestimated. This study explores the sociological drivers of violent crime in Ghana by examining the perspectives of key individuals connected to incarcerated persons, including family members, peers, prison officers, and inmate leaders. Methods Guided by an interpretivist paradigm, the study employed a qualitative, phenomenological approach to understand participants' lived experiences. Using purposive sampling, 79 participants were selected across two major correctional facilities: Nsawam Medium Security Prison (40 participants) and Ankaful Maximum Security Prison (39 participants), with interviews conducted both within the prisons (for prison officers and inmate leaders) and in designated visiting areas (for family members and peers). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes. Results and Discussion Findings indicate that violent behavior often arises from a combination of emotional neglect, unstable family backgrounds, peer influence, economic hardship, and cultural pressures tied to masculinity and power. These experiences reflect the relevance of Strain Theory and Social Learning Theory, highlighting how structural disadvantages and learned behaviors intersect to shape violent tendencies. The study recommends strengthening family support systems, expanding youth mentorship, integrating moral and social education in schools, and improving rehabilitation programs within prisons. By centring human relationships and social contexts, the study provides actionable insights for holistic crime prevention strategies in Ghana.