Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has approved the release of 998 prisoners across the country following recommendations from the Prisons Service Council and consultations with the Council of State.
The move, carried out under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, came after 1,014 inmates were initially proposed for clemency but later reduced upon further review.
The amnesty applies to several categories of prisoners, including 787 first-time offenders, 87 inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, and 51 life sentences reduced to 20 years.
It also covers 33 prisoners with serious illnesses, 36 inmates over 70 years old, two nursing mothers, and two others granted release through special petitions.
