998 prisoners receive presidential pardon
By DL News
Published
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The decision, announced in a statement signed by Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, was made under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers the President to remit sentences and grant pardons.
President John Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 inmates across the country, following recommendations from the Prisons Service Council and consultations with the Council of State.
The decision, announced in a statement signed by Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, was made under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers the President to remit sentences and grant pardons.
Out of 1,014 cases initially put forward for consideration, the final number was reduced after further review. The beneficiaries fall into various categories, with first-time offenders making up the majority.
Breakdown of the amnesty:
First-time offenders: 787
Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment: 87
Life sentences commuted to 20 years definite term: 51
Seriously ill prisoners: 33
Prisoners aged 70 years and above: 36
Nursing mothers: 2
Special petitions: 2
Officials say the move is aimed at decongesting prisons, showing compassion to vulnerable groups, and providing a second chance for first-time offenders.
