President John Dramani Mahama has exercised the presidential prerogative of mercy to pardon 863 convicted persons as part of activities marking Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The President’s decision was taken in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution and after consultation with the Council of State, according to a statement issued by the Jubilee House.
The pardon covers convicted persons in several categories, including first offenders, elderly prisoners, seriously ill persons and others whose cases received special consideration.
Of the 863 beneficiaries, 819 first offenders have been granted outright release, while 13 persons aged 70 years and above have also been granted outright release.
Six seriously ill prisoners are among those to be released, while two others have been granted outright release following special recommendations.
The President has also commuted the death sentences of 11 prisoners to life imprisonment.
In addition, six persons serving life sentences will have their sentences commuted to 20 years’ definite imprisonment.
Three persons whose cases were considered through petitions have also benefited from the exercise, while three others fall under the “Others” category outlined by the Presidency.
The Jubilee House said the pardon formed part of the commemoration of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary and was intended to mark the milestone with an act of mercy and national reflection.
It said the relevant state institutions had been directed to take the necessary steps to give effect to the President’s decision.
The prerogative of mercy exercised by the President is provided for under Article 72 of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers the President, in consultation with the Council of State, to grant a pardon, respite, substitute a less severe form of punishment or remit the whole or part of a punishment imposed on a person convicted of an offence.
The statement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
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