President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardons to 863 convicted persons as part of an exercise of the prerogative of mercy.
The decision was taken in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State, according to a statement issued by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The pardon forms part of activities commemorating Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary and is intended to mark the milestone with an act of mercy, compassion and national reflection.
State institutions have been directed to take the necessary measures to implement the President’s decision and facilitate the release or sentence adjustments for the affected persons.
The beneficiaries fall under several categories, including first-time offenders who have been granted outright release, persons aged 70 years and above, and convicted persons suffering from serious illnesses.
Other categories include individuals whose death sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment, persons serving life sentences whose terms have been reduced to 20 years, as well as individuals granted outright release based on definite special recommendations.
The pardon also covers persons whose cases were considered through petitions and other special circumstances outlined in the presidential decision.
