Jailbreak: From Police Incarceration to University Graduation
A young Ghanaian man who once spent nine months in police detention without trial has graduated from the University of Ghana with a Second Class Upper bachelor’s degree, thanks to the intervention of the Perbi and allied families.
Ezekiel Ali, who was arrested and held at the La Police Station—locally known as “counter back”—was spotted in 2017 at an Accra courthouse by Dr. Yaw Perbi, then on a nine-month furlough in Ghana. Dr. Perbi, then President and CEO of International Student Ministries Canada (ISMC), was in the country with his family during a sabbatical from his work in Canada.
Dr. Perbi had initially visited the court to follow up on a theft case involving his stolen laptop bag during the launch of his book Thinking Outside the Window at the University of Ghana, Legon. It was during this court visit to follow-up on the case that he noticed Ali, handcuffed but carrying a green-backed New Testament Bible. Struck by what he described as a strong inner conviction, Dr. Perbi took an interest in Ali’s case.
After learning that Ali had been detained for nine months without formal sentencing, Dr. Perbi and his family launched a personal effort to secure his release. The family not only posted bail but also supported his rehabilitation—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Ali was subsequently offered employment through Trenor Coats and Gowns Limited, where Dr. Perbi’s mother-in-law, Norah Sowa, is Founder and CEO. The support extended further to include financial assistance for his education as a mature student at the University of Ghana. The Legon Interdenominational Church pitched in also through their Education Fund.
Seven years later, that act of intervention culminated in a milestone: Ali’s graduation with a Second Class Upper degree. He is currently fulfilling his national service obligation at IT Consortium.
“This is one of the happiest days of his life—and mine too,” Dr. Perbi said in a statement. “Ezekiel’s story is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of grace and opportunity.”
Dr. Perbi expressed gratitude to all who contributed to Ali’s journey, including members of the Legon Interdenominational Church and particularly Norah Sowa, who supported the initiative both personally and professionally.
The story has drawn widespread praise on social media as a modern example of how community, compassion, and faith can change the trajectory of a life.
“To God be all the glory,” Dr. Perbi insists.