President John Dramani Mahama has in accordance with Article 72 (1) of the 1992 Constitution and following consultation with the Council of State, exercised the prerogative of mercy to grant presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons.
A statement issued by Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications said the grant of pardon was made in commemoration of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary, marking this significant milestone in the nation’s history with an act of mercy and national reflection.
It said the relevant state institutions had been directed to take the necessary steps to give effect to the President’s decision.
The categories of persons granted the pardon included: First Offenders (Outright Releases) 819, Very Old (70 years and above) (Outright Release) 13, and Death Sentence to be commuted to Life Sentence 11.
The rest are Seriously ill (Outright Release) six, Life sentence commuted to 20 years definite six, Special Recommendation (Outright Release) two, Petitions three and others three.
