Wrongful Convictions in Ghana: Post-Exoneration Stigma and Reintegration Experiences of Exonerees

Abstract

The extant literature on wrongful convictions and exoneree reentry outcomes recognises variations in the stigma experiences of exonerees. However, the existing body of work contains few direct accounts from exonerees explaining why some are stigmatised more than others upon acquittal and release from prison, suggesting a need for further research. Accordingly, this qualitative study aimed to understand and describe the post-exoneration stigma and reintegration experiences of exonerated individuals in Ghana at both family and broader societal levels. The study also explored the specific strategies stigmatised exonerees use to negotiate or manage stigma, as well as the factors that influence their strategy choices and outcomes. Using Erving Goffman’s theory of social stigma, along with Link and Phelan’s conceptual extensions, this study examined the experiences of 24 participants, including 16 exonerees and 8 of their close relatives. All exoneree participants were purposively sampled from exoneree records at the registries of all three superior courts in Ghana. Primary data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with all participants, and these were supplemented by secondary data analysis of materials sourced from news websites and newspapers. As the findings reveal, stigma experiences at the family level may arise from a variety – and often a combination – of factors, including the persistent nature of the ‘ex-prisoner’ label, family members’ ongoing belief in negatively framed pre-exoneration news media reports, unemployment or failure to be reinstated, strained relationships developed either before or during imprisonment, and unhealthy rivalry or conflicts among members and branches (gates) of the extended family. On a broader societal level, factors such as the fear of courtesy stigma, negative media coverage surrounding conviction cases (without corresponding reporting on exoneration), visible ‘blemished’ signs, type of crime, duration of imprisonment, financial pressures, and internal family rivalry and gossip may collectively predispose exonerated individuals to stigma. The study also found that many participants experienced various forms of interpersonal stigma, with some facing institutional stigma. Notably, stigmatised exonerees and their close relatives mainly relied on strategies rooted in both incorporation (e.g., disclosure or claims of innocence) and avoidance (social withdrawal) to manage or negotiate stigma outcomes. While some participants actively – and even proactively – managed their stigma experiences, the majority of exonerees passively resigned themselves to the degradation of their status. The study further emphasises that mainstream news media significantly influence whether individuals passively accept stigma or actively challenge it. Additionally, the perceived accuracy of mainstream media when publishing criminal justice information, along with factors such as the usage of exoneration judgements, job reinstatements, relocation, and positive pre-prison relationships, emerged as significant influences on the effectiveness of participants’ stigma management strategies. A prime contribution of this thesis to knowledge is that it has shown that the availability or lack of certain critical stigma management resources (e.g., positively-framed exoneration reports by mainstream media) may not just influence a stigmatised exoneree’s decision to be either a passive recipient of stigma or an active negotiator, but also the individual’s family and societal reception outcomes.