President John Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country, in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
Out of a total of 1,014 inmates recommended for clemency, 998 were approved by the President.
The decision, which was taken upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State, comes as part of efforts to decongest the nation’s prisons and offer deserving inmates a fresh start in life.
The categories of convicts benefiting from the amnesty include: 787 prisoners who are first-time offenders, 87 prisoners on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, and 51 prisoners with life sentences commuted to 20 years definite term.
Also, 33 seriously ill prisoners, 36 prisoners aged over 70 years, irrespective of offence, two nursing mothers and two successful petitions were all granted amnesty.
In announcing the exercise, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, noted that the gesture demonstrates the President’s commitment to upholding principles of justice tempered with compassion.
The release of the prisoners is expected to ease pressure on Ghana’s overburdened prison facilities while offering a renewed opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
By Daniel K. Orlando