President Mahama Grants Pardon to 863 Prisoners
President Mahama Grants Pardon to 863 Prisoners
President John Dramani Mahama has exercised his constitutional power of mercy, granting a presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons across Ghana.
The pardon was issued in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultation with the Council of State. A statement from the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the details.
The timing of this gesture is significant. According to the statement, the pardon has been granted in commemoration of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary, marking this milestone in the nation’s history with an act of mercy and national reflection, rather than letting the occasion pass with celebration alone.
Relevant state institutions have now been directed to take the necessary steps to carry out the President’s decision.
The 863 individuals granted pardon fall into several distinct categories. These include first offenders receiving outright release, elderly inmates aged 70 and above who also qualify for outright release, and individuals on death row whose sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment.
The list also covers seriously ill inmates granted outright release, those serving life sentences that have now been commuted down to 20 years, cases involving special recommendations warranting outright release, individuals whose petitions were reviewed and approved, and a broader category simply described as “others.”
