President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country, following recommendations from the Prisons Service Council and consultations with the Council of State.
The decision, announced on Monday, August 18, 2025, was made in line with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers the President to grant pardons and commute sentences. Out of a total of 1,014 cases reviewed, 998 were approved.
According to a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications, the categories of beneficiaries include:
- First-time offenders: 787 inmates
- Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment: 87 inmates
- Life sentences commuted to 20-year definite terms: 51 inmates
- Seriously ill prisoners: 33 inmates
- Prisoners over 70 years (irrespective of offence): 36 inmates
- Nursing mothers: 2 inmates
- Successful petitions: 2 inmates
The move forms part of efforts to decongest the country’s overcrowded prisons while offering a second chance to deserving inmates.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the amnesty does not undermine the justice system but reflects a balance between punishment, compassion, and reintegration.
This is not the first time a sitting president has exercised such constitutional powers. Previous administrations have also granted amnesty to prisoners as part of reforms to promote justice and human dignity.
With this decision, nearly a thousand inmates will regain their freedom or have their sentences reduced, providing them an opportunity to rebuild their lives.
