His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to nine hundred and ninety-eight (998) prisoners across the country, following recommendations from the Prison Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State.
The decision, made in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, comes after a total of one thousand and fourteen (1,014) inmates were recommended for clemency. The President approved the release of 998 of them, offering a fresh start to many who have served time under various categories of conviction.
In a statement issued by the Presidency Communications Directorate and signed by Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications, outlined the categories of beneficiaries as follows:
| No. | Category of Convicts | Number of Persons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | First-time offenders | 787 |
| 2 | Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment | 87 |
| 3 | Life sentences commuted to 20 years | 33 |
| 4 | Seriously ill inmates | 14 |
| 5 | Inmates aged over 70 years | 66 |
| 6 | Nursing mothers | 2 |
| 7 | Special cases | 9 |
The amnesty forms part of broader efforts to decongest Ghana’s prisons and promote rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society. The Ghana Prisons Service has assured the public that all beneficiaries were thoroughly vetted and meet the criteria for release.
President Mahama’s gesture is seen as a demonstration of compassion and a commitment to restorative justice, offering hope and a second chance to hundreds of Ghanaians.
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