President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 inmates across Ghana as part of measures to decongest the country’s prisons.
The decision, made on the advice of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State, is in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers the President to remit sentences and grant pardons.
According to a statement signed by Minister of Government Communications and presidential spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a total of 1,014 prisoners had initially been recommended for amnesty. However, the number was reduced after a further review process.
The beneficiaries fall under various categories:
First-time offenders – 787
Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment – 87
Life sentences commuted to 20 years’ definite term – 51
Seriously ill prisoners – 33
Prisoners aged over 70 years – 36
Nursing mothers – 2
Special petitions – 2
The statement noted that the amnesty reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring fairness, compassion, and adherence to constitutional provisions in the justice system.
