President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of activities marking Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The President exercised the prerogative of mercy in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultation with the Council of State.
According to a statement issued by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the decision forms part of the commemoration of the country’s 70 years of independence and reflects an act of mercy and national reflection.
The relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to implement the President’s decision.
The beneficiaries fall into several categories, including first-time offenders who have been granted outright release, persons aged 70 and above, and seriously ill prisoners.
Others include prisoners whose death sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment, those serving life sentences whose terms have been reduced to 20 years, persons granted outright release following special recommendations, and individuals whose petitions were considered.
The pardon also covers other cases considered under the exercise of the President’s prerogative of mercy.
