The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners, including 787 first time offenders and 33 seriously ill convicts.
According to a statement from the Presidency, this act follows the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and consultation from the Council of State, under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
The statement released on Monday August 18 and signed by the Minister of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, stated that although 1,014 prisoners were initially recommended for consideration, the final number was reduced.
The pardon applies to a varied category of inmates, including those facing critical health and age-related challenges.
The categories of convicts affected are listed below:
- First-time offenders – 787
- Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment – 87
- Life sentences commuted to 20 years definite term – 51
- Seriously ill – 33
- Over 70 years old, irrespective of offence – 36
- Nursing mothers – 2
- Petitions – 2
