President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of activities commemorating Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The decision was taken under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultation with the Council of State. The Presidency said the exercise was intended to mark the national milestone through an act of mercy and reflection.
The largest category comprises 819 first offenders, who have been granted outright release.
Also granted outright release are 13 persons aged 70 years and above, six seriously ill persons, and two persons under special recommendations.
The President has also commuted the death sentences of 11 convicted persons to life imprisonment, while the sentences of six people serving life imprisonment have been reduced to 20-year definite terms.
Three cases were considered through petitions, while another three fall under the “others” category, according to the Presidential statement.
The relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to implement the President’s decision.
Article 72 of the Constitution empowers the President, in consultation with the Council of State, to exercise the prerogative of mercy by granting pardons, respites, substitutions of punishment or remissions of punishment to persons convicted of offences.
