President John Dramani Mahama has granted a presidential pardon to 863 convicted prisoners.
The presidential pardon forms part of activities commemorating Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
A statement signed by Government spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, disclosed that the decision was taken in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution and follows consultations with the Council of State.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated, “The pardon forms part of the commemoration of the significant national milestone and is intended to mark the occasion with an act of mercy and national reflection.”
The statement revealed that the largest group to benefit involves 819 first-time offenders, who have been granted outright release.
Also, thirteen convicted persons aged 70 years and above have been granted outright release, with six persons serving life sentences having their sentences commuted to 20 years.
Additionally, 11 persons on death sentence will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, with six seriously ill prisoners granted outright release, while two persons have also been released following special recommendations.
The statement also disclosed that three other cases were considered under petitions, with three additional persons falling under other categories.
The Presidential amnesty is a constitutional provision that allows the President to pardon prisoners or reduce their sentences on the recommendations from the Prisons Service Council and the Council of State.
The Presidential amnesty is used as a measure to decongest prisons, also to address humanitarian concerns, and ensure justice is tempered with mercy.
It is particularly for defenceless groups such as the elderly, the sick, and nursing mothers.
In related news, in 2025, there were emotional scenes at the Kumasi Central Prison as inmates granted a presidential amnesty by John Dramani Mahama reunited with their families.
In the viral short video, the Kumasi Central Prison inmates granted amnesty were captured visibly emotional as they waited patiently to be reunited with their families.
The former inmates were later met at the gate of the Kumasi Central Prison by their families, embracing them and sharing passionate moments.
President John Mahama, on August 18, 2025, granted amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country.
The presidential amnesty follows a recommendation of the Prisons Service Council, in consultation with the Council of State, and in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision was announced in a statement by the Presidency, issued and signed by the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
It revealed a total of 1,014 inmates were recommended for amnesty, out of which 998 were approved.
The President’s amnesty covers:
First-time offenders – 787 persons
Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment – 87 persons
Life sentences commuted to 20 years’ definite term – 51 persons.
Seriously ill prisoners – 33 persons
Prisoners over 70 years, irrespective of offence – 36 persons
Nursing mothers – 2 persons
Petition cases – 2 persons
See the statement below:
@ghnow_ The bail process has begun to secure Salomey Awity’s release after the court granted her GH¢100,000 bail with two civil servant sureties earning at least GH¢3,000 monthly. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ CCTV footage captured the moment two suspected goat thieves on a motorcycle swiftly grabbed a goat on September 25, 2026, before speeding away into the darkness in Wa, Upper West Region. #GHNow #fyp ♬ suara asli – milenia – 🅄🅻🄸🅽🄽🆄🄷🅰
