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.
It will be recalled that 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
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.
Meanwhile, some Ghanaians have reacted to the video saying, “Wow.. Goosebumps all over my body. I gave the man in the wheelchair a ride today at Ahwia when he was practically stranded trying to locate a friend. He said he didn’t want to go back home in a wheelchair Cos he didn’t go to prison in a wheelchair…”.
“These people you see here are not tagged whether NPP or NDC, but just see what the wise man has done..
After all this, some Ghanaian do call the gentleman of the land evil names.. hmm”, another netizen wrote.
Additionally, a netizen added, “I have seen one of my Hommies in this video, glad that he was granted amnesty by the President of the Land, Welcome home Bobo”.
One more Ghanaian wrote, “Do not underestimate freedom if you haven’t had any cause to be denied one. This is why Politicians must sanitise their comments before, during and after elections. Freedom and Peace can never be underestimated”.
Meanwhile, the information gathered reveals that the founder of the defunct Capital Bank, Ato Essien and Evangelist Mama Pat, formerly known as Agradaa, are not part of the 998 prisoners granted presidential amnesty by John Mahama.
Although the 998 prisoners granted amnesty were not named in the press statement, there were some speculations that Nana Agradaa and Ato Essien were part of those pardoned.
It will be recalled that William Ato Essien was granted bail by the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal granted Ato Essien ₵10 million bail, with two sureties.
The Court of Appeals decision comes on the back of a campaign calling for presidential clemency for William Ato Essien.
Ato Essien’s petition for pardon received growing calls for Mahama to pardon him following reports that he was not well.
Dr John Apea, the Head of Missions at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and Board Member of the Commonwealth Human Rights Office for Africa, has been calling for presidential clemency for William Ato Essien.
According to Dr. Apea Ato Essien is now wheelchair-bound, suffering from a spinal injury sustained while in custody.
Reports suggest, the list of beneficiaries does not include Patricia Asiedu Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, William Ato Essien, or any other prominent names.
While Essien is already on a medical bail pending the determination.
Nana Agradaa, on the other hand, is yet to serve even six months out of her 15-year jail term, ruling her out of Mahama’s amnesty.
Watch the video below:
Emotions filled atmosphere at the Kumasi Central Prisons, as some incarcerated persons who were granted presidential amnesty by the president, H. E John Dramani Mahama reunited with their families. pic.twitter.com/vQGH4zkp0y
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) September 2, 2025