President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country, following recommendations from the Prisons Service Council and consultations with the Council of State. The decision was taken in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
According to a statement signed by the Minister of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the amnesty covers multiple categories of inmates. While 1,014 prisoners were initially recommended for consideration, the final figure was reduced after further review.
The categories of beneficiaries are as follows:
-
First-time offenders: 787
-
Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment: 87
-
Life sentences commuted to 20 years definite term: 51
-
Seriously ill prisoners: 33
-
Prisoners aged 70 years and above (regardless of offence): 36
-
Nursing mothers: 2
-
Special petitions granted: 2
The amnesty is expected to ease congestion in the country’s prisons while giving deserving inmates a second chance at rebuilding their lives.
