President John Dramani Mahama has exercised the constitutional prerogative of mercy to grant presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons, as Ghana prepares to commemorate its 70th Independence Anniversary in March 2027.
The decision was announced by the Presidency on Monday, October 5, and was taken under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultation with the Council of State. A statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu described the exercise as an act of mercy and national reflection marking the independence milestone.
First offenders constitute by far the largest group of beneficiaries. According to the Presidency, 819 first offenders have been granted outright release.
Another 13 convicted persons aged 70 years and above will also be released outright, together with six seriously ill prisoners. Two additional prisoners have been granted outright release under special recommendations.
The decision does not, however, mean that all 863 beneficiaries will immediately leave prison.
The President has commuted the sentences of 11 people on death row to life imprisonment. This means those prisoners are not being released; rather, their death sentences are being replaced with life sentences.
Additionally, six prisoners serving life sentences will have their sentences commuted to definite 20-year terms. The exercise also covers three cases considered through petitions and another three classified under other categories.
The Presidency did not identify the individual beneficiaries in its announcement.
Article 72 of Ghana’s Constitution provides for the President, acting in consultation with the Council of State, to exercise the prerogative of mercy in relation to people convicted of criminal offences. This can include granting a pardon, reducing a sentence or substituting a less severe punishment.
The Presidency said relevant state institutions have now been directed to take the necessary steps to implement the President’s decision.
Ghana will celebrate 70 years of independence on March 6, 2027, having gained independence on March 6, 1957. The Presidency says the pardon forms part of activities connected with that milestone.
The decision represents a significant exercise of the President’s constitutional power of mercy, with first offenders accounting for the overwhelming majority of those receiving relief.
Moment of Wisdom; Time for Wisdom.
