Mahama pardons 863 convicted persons

President John Dramani Mahama has pardoned 863 convicted individuals as part of celebrations marking Ghana's 70th Independence Anniversary, according to a statement issued by the Jubilee House. The decision aligns with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution and was made after consultation with the Council of State, as reported by the spokesperson for the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

The pardons encompass several categories, including first offenders, elderly prisoners, seriously ill individuals, and others whose cases received special consideration. Of the total beneficiaries, 819 first offenders received outright release, while 13 persons aged 70 years and above also received full pardons. Six seriously ill prisoners and two others have been granted release due to special recommendations.

Additionally, the President has commuted the death sentences of 11 prisoners to life imprisonment and reduced six life sentences to 20 years' definite imprisonment.

Three individuals whose cases were reviewed through petitions have also benefited from the pardon, and three others fall under the "Others" category outlined by the Presidency. The Jubilee House stated that this exercise is intended to commemorate Ghana's 70th Independence Anniversary with an act of mercy and national reflection. The relevant state institutions have been directed to implement the President's decision, as reported by Ofosu.