13 first-offender inmates discharged from Wa Central Prison under 2026 presidential amnesty

Thirteen inmates with no prior criminal record have been freed from Wa Central Prison under President John Dramani Mahama's 2026 amnesty. The ceremony took place on October 23, 2026, where these individuals returned to society. Initially, 18 names were submitted for the amnesty, but 13 were approved by the President under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

Three inmates were discharged at the ceremony, as the remaining 10 had already been released through the standard one-third sentence discharge process. Regional Prisons Commander DDP Alhaji Ousmane Tasembedo emphasized that the amnesty is not just a release from custody but an opportunity for transformation and a fresh start. Among the 13 approved beneficiaries, two learned vocational skills in smock sewing and tailoring, for which they were provided with start-up materials.

Assembly Member Daubile Alhassan Ibrahim cautioned the beneficiaries to behave well in their reintegration. He clarified that amnesty does not grant immunity from future prosecution. Yakubu Anas, speaking for the beneficiaries, expressed deep gratitude to the President for the unique opportunity and promised to utilize the acquired skills responsibly.

Nuokpem Richard thanked the government and prison officials for the training provided to the inmates, hoping they will achieve their goals and become respectable members of society.