President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons in commemoration of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
A statement issued by the Presidency on Monday, October 5, said the President acted in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution and after consultation with the Council of State, exercising the prerogative of mercy.
According to the statement signed by Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the pardon marks the significant milestone in the nation’s history with an act of mercy and national reflection.
The relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to give effect to the President’s decision.
Breakdown
The statement showed that the majority of the beneficiaries, 819 persons, are first offenders who will be released outright.
Thirteen convicts aged 70 years and above have also been granted outright release, while six seriously ill convicts will similarly be freed.
Eleven convicts on death row will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while six others serving life sentences will have theirs commuted to 20 years definite.
Two convicts have been granted outright release on special recommendation, while three others benefited through petitions.
Another three were pardoned under the “others” category.