President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of commemorative activities marking Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Monday, October 5, 2026, the President exercised the prerogative of mercy under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State.
The Presidency said the decision was intended to mark the national milestone with an act of mercy and reflection.
Of the 863 beneficiaries, 819 are first offenders who have been granted outright release. Thirteen persons aged 70 years and above will also be released outright, while six seriously ill prisoners have been granted outright release.
The statement further indicated that 11 death sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment, while six life sentences have been reduced to 20-year definite terms.
Two persons under special recommendation have also been granted outright release, while three petitions and three other cases have been included in the exercise.
The categories of beneficiaries are as follows:
- First offenders — 819
- Persons aged 70 years and above — 13
- Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment — 11
- Seriously ill persons — 6
- Life sentences commuted to 20-year terms — 6
- Special recommendations — 2
- Petitions — 3
- Others — 3
The Presidency said relevant state institutions had been directed to take the necessary steps to give effect to the President’s decision.
The statement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
