President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country’s correctional facilities, following a recommendation from the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State.
A statement issued on Monday by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the decision, which was taken under the presidential prerogative of mercy provided by Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
The beneficiaries fall into seven categories. 787 first-time offenders are to be released outright, while 87 inmates on death row will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. Additionally, 51 prisoners serving life sentences will have their terms reduced to a fixed 20 years.
Humanitarian grounds were also considered. The amnesty covers 33 seriously ill prisoners, 36 inmates aged 70 and above, and two nursing mothers. Two additional prisoners were granted clemency after their petitions were reviewed.
In all, the President approved 998 out of 1,014 cases submitted by the Prisons Service Council. The move, according to the statement, reflects both constitutional provisions and humanitarian considerations aimed at easing congestion in Ghana’s prisons.
