Mahama grants presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons

President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardons to 863 convicted individuals in commemoration of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary. This decision, made in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, involved consultation with the Council of State. The pardons encompass various groups of convicted persons, with the majority being first offenders.

Out of the 863 pardoned, 819 were first offenders who received outright release. Additionally, 13 individuals aged 70 years or older were also granted release. The President commuted the death sentences of 11 convicts to life imprisonment, while six seriously ill prisoners had their sentences commuted to outright release. Another six convicts saw their life sentences converted to 20-year definite sentences.

Special recommendations led to the release of two persons outright. Three individuals submitted petitions and received relief, and three more were included in the presidential pardon under the "others" category. In total, the pardons cover 863 convicted persons.

The announcement stated that the pardons were granted as a gesture of mercy and for national reflection on Ghana’s Independence. The relevant state institutions have been instructed to implement the President's decision. This act is part of the President's constitutional powers under Article 72, which allows for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy in specified situations following consultation with the Council of State.