Mahama Pardons 863 Prisoners
President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of activities marking Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The beneficiaries include 819 first offenders, who have been granted outright release, while 13 prisoners aged 70 years and above will also walk free.
Six seriously ill prisoners have equally been granted outright release under the exercise announced by the Presidency yesterday.
The President’s decision was taken pursuant to Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution and after consultations with the Council of State.
Under the pardon, the death sentences of 11 convicts have been commuted to life imprisonment, while the life sentences of another six prisoners have been reduced to 20-year definite terms.
Two other prisoners have been granted outright release following special recommendations.
Three persons benefited under petitions, while another three fell under other categories, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 863.
A statement issued by the Presidency Communications said the pardon was granted to commemorate Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary with an act of “mercy and national reflection.”
Relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to implement the President’s decision.
The presidential pardon forms part of the constitutional powers of the President to exercise the prerogative of mercy in appropriate cases.
