President John Dramani Mahama has granted a presidential pardon to 863 convicted individuals as part of the celebrations marking Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary. The President exercised the prerogative of mercy in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State.
According to a statement issued on Monday, October 5, the pardon aims to commemorate the independence anniversary through an act of mercy and national reflection. The largest group consists of 819 first-time offenders who have been granted an outright release, as noted in a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President’s spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications.
Additionally, 13 individuals aged 70 years and above have been granted outright release, along with six seriously ill persons. The death sentences of 11 convicted individuals have been commuted to life imprisonment, and six persons currently serving life sentences will have their sentences reduced to 20 years.
Furthermore, two individuals under the special recommendation category have been granted outright release, while three petitions and three others were also approved, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 863. Relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to implement the President’s decision.
