President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of the commemoration of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The President exercised the prerogative of mercy in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution and following consultation with the Council of State.
The decision covers different categories of convicted persons, with first offenders making up the overwhelming majority of those granted relief.
A total of 819 first offenders have been granted outright release, while 13 convicted persons aged 70 years and above have also been granted outright release.
The President has further commuted the death sentences of 11 convicted persons to life imprisonment.
Six seriously ill prisoners have been granted outright release, while the life sentences of another six convicted persons have been commuted to 20-year definite sentences.
Two persons granted relief under special recommendations have also been released outright.
In addition, three persons who submitted petitions have been granted relief, while another three persons under the category of “others” are included in the presidential pardon.
The total number of convicted persons covered by the exercise is 863.
A statement announcing the decision said the pardon was granted to mark the Independence Anniversary as an act of mercy and national reflection.
The relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to give effect to the President’s decision.
The exercise forms part of the constitutional powers of the President under Article 72, which provides for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy in specified circumstances following consultation with the Council of State.
