President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardons to 863 convicted persons as part of activities marking Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The decision, announced in a statement issued by the Presidency Communications Office on October 5, 2026, was exercised under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution following consultations with the Council of State.
According to the statement, the grant of pardon is intended to commemorate Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary, describing the gesture as an act of mercy and national reflection at a significant moment in the country’s history.
“The grant of pardon is made in commemoration of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary, marking this significant milestone in the nation’s history with an act of mercy and national reflection,” the statement said.
The Presidency indicated that relevant state institutions had been directed to take the necessary steps to implement the President’s decision.
A breakdown of the beneficiaries shows that 819 first offenders received outright release, representing the largest category of persons granted clemency.
Additionally, 13 prisoners aged 70 years and above were granted outright release, while 11 death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
Six seriously ill inmates were also granted outright release, and another six life sentences were commuted to definite 20-year prison terms.
The list further includes two inmates released on special recommendation, three beneficiaries under petitions, and three others classified under miscellaneous grounds.
The statement noted that the exercise reflects the constitutional powers vested in the President to grant pardons and reduce sentences under specific circumstances.
The announcement was signed by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
The presidential pardon forms part of events commemorating Ghana’s seven decades of independence and is expected to offer a fresh start to hundreds of beneficiaries while advancing the principles of justice, rehabilitation and mercy within the country’s correctional system.