President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country, following recommendations from the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State.
The decision, made in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, reflects the President’s constitutional prerogative of mercy.
Out of 1,014 inmates recommended for clemency, 998 have been approved for release or sentence commutation.
The amnesty spans a range of categories, prioritising humanitarian considerations and rehabilitation prospects.
Breakdown of Beneficiaries
| Category | Number of Beneficiaries |
| First-time offenders | 787 |
| Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment | 87 |
| Life sentences commuted to 20-year definite terms | 51 |
| Seriously ill inmates | 33 |
| Prisoners aged over 70 | 36 |
| Nursing mothers | 2 |
| Cases granted upon petition | 2 |
The move is part of ongoing efforts to decongest Ghana’s prisons and uphold the dignity and rights of inmates, particularly those facing extraordinary health or age-related challenges.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Spokesperson to the President, has confirmed this in a release.
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