BREAKING: President Mahama grants amnesty to 998 prisoners

President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to nine hundred and ninety-eight (998) prisoners across the country, the Presidency Communications has announced.

The decision according to the Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, is in line with the President’s prerogative of mercy under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers him to grant pardons in consultation with the Council of State.

An official statement issued on Monday, August 18, and signed by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicated that while the Prisons Service Council recommended amnesty for 1,014 individuals, the President approved 998 cases.

According to the statement, individuals receiving these pardons fall into specific humanitarian and justice-related categories.

About 787 individuals categorized as First-Time Offenders have been granted release, the largest of the group, 87 prisoners sentenced to death will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while 51 inmates serving life sentences will have their terms reduced to a definite 20-year sentence.

The statement further highlights that 33 prisoners suffering from serious illnesses have been granted amnesty, 36 inmates aged 70 years or above, irrespective of their original offense have also been granted release, 2 incarcerated mothers caring for infants have also been pardoned, with 2 other individuals also granted amnesty following specific petitions.

“The President, acting on the advice of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State, has exercised his constitutional mandate under Article 72(1) to extend clemency to these 998 individuals,” Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated.

Presidential amnesties are occasional occurrences in Ghana, often aligned with national events or based on assessments of prison conditions, chances of rehabilitation, and humanitarian concerns.

On January 6, 2025, Former President Akufo-Addo granted presidential pardon to 11 prisoners, barely a day to the end of his tenure.

Then-Acting Secretary and Legal Counsel to the President, Kow Abaka Essuman ESQ. also pointed to the health of the prisoners, length of imprisonment, and other mitigating factors as reasons for the President’s decision.