Mahama grants presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons

President John Dramani Mahama has exercised the prerogative of mercy to pardon 863 convicted persons as part of activities commemorating Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.

The decision was taken in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State.

According to the Presidency, the pardon is intended to mark the significant national milestone with an act of mercy, compassion and reflection.

Of the 863 beneficiaries, 819 are first offenders who have been granted outright release.

The remaining beneficiaries include 13 persons aged 70 years and above, who have also been granted outright release, while six seriously ill inmates have been released.

The President has further commuted the death sentences of 11 persons to life imprisonment, while the life sentences of six persons have been commuted to 20-year definite terms.

Two persons under the special recommendation category have received outright release, while three petitions and three others were also considered under the exercise.

The Presidency said relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to give effect to the President’s decision.

The exercise forms part of President Mahama’s use of the constitutional prerogative of mercy to provide relief to selected convicted persons while marking an important milestone in Ghana’s national history.