13 first-offender inmates discharged from Wa Central Prison under Presidential Amnesty
Thirteen first-offender inmates have been officially discharged from the Wa Central Prison after benefiting from the 2026 presidential amnesty granted by President John Dramani Mahama. The release ceremony, held on October 23, 2026, marked the discharge and reintegration of these individuals back into society.
Thirteen inmates, previously held at Wa Central Prison, have been granted release under President John Dramani Mahama's 2026 amnesty program. On October 23, 2026, the release ceremony officially marked their transition back into society. The Upper West Regional Prisons Commander confirmed that while 18 inmates were initially considered for amnesty, only 13 were ultimately approved according to Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
Of the 13 approved, three were discharged at the ceremony; the remaining ten had been granted earlier through typical one-third sentence release provisions.
Regional Commander DDP Alhaji Ousmane Tasembedo emphasized that the amnesty serves as an opportunity for transformation, not merely a release from confinement. Since 2024, Wa Central Prisons has successfully rehabilitated 34 inmates. Among the 13 approved individuals, two have acquired vocational skills in smock sewing and tailoring.
These beneficiaries were provided with start-up materials to aid their integration into the workforce. Assembly Member Daubile Alhassan Ibrahim, representing the Municipal Chief Executive, warned the reentering individuals to conduct themselves appropriately. He clarified that amnesty does not grant immunity from future legal repercussions, stating, "It doesn’t mean that when you are granted this amnesty today and you go out there and commit any offense the law will not say oh some time ago the president was granted you amnesty to go home and rest."
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, 39-year-old Yakubu Anas expressed gratitude to President Mahama and the regional command for the vocational training received during their incarceration. Anas promised to utilize his newly acquired skills responsibly and maintain good behavior. Nuokpem Richard, addressing the families of the beneficiaries, thanked the government and prison officials for the training provided.
He expressed hope that the inmates would continue their efforts, ultimately becoming productive members of society.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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