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President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners following recommendations from the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State. The decision, made in line with Article 72(1) of the Constitution, aims to decongest prisons and extend humanitarian relief to specific categories of convicts.
Out of a total of 1,014 inmates recommended, 998 were approved to benefit from the presidential pardon. The beneficiaries fall under various categories, including first-time offenders, prisoners with commuted death and life sentences, the seriously ill, elderly inmates, and nursing mothers.
According to the official statement issued by the Presidency Communications Directorate, 787 of the pardoned inmates are first-time offenders. Additionally, 87 death row inmates had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment, while 51 life sentences were converted to 20-year definite terms.
Other categories include 33 prisoners who are seriously ill, 36 inmates over 70 years old regardless of their offence, two nursing mothers, and two others who were released based on petitions.
The decision underscores government’s efforts to uphold justice while showing compassion to vulnerable groups within the prison population.
The announcement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, who serves as the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
