President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners, following a recommendation by the Prisons Service Council and consultation with the Council of State, in accordance with Article 72(1) of the Constitution. The decision is part of the government’s exercise of its constitutional powers to grant pardons to certain categories of prisoners.
The amnesty affects various categories of convicts, including first-time offenders, those with death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, and individuals with life sentences commuted to definite terms. A total of 787 first-time offenders have benefited from the amnesty, while 87 prisoners have had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
Additionally, the amnesty includes seriously ill prisoners, those over 70 years old, and nursing mothers. The President’s decision is expected to bring relief to the affected prisoners and their families. The move demonstrates the government’s commitment to upholding justice and humanity in the correctional system.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
