Purported Presidential Pardon : Akufo-Addo consulted Council of State but-FMR Deputy AG
By DL News
Published
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On January 6, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy under Article 72 (1) to pardon eleven prisoners, a day before the conclusion of his term in office.
A former deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has disclosed that the Council of State, in consultation with the former President, recently decided against granting presidential pardons to certain individuals.
Addressing the matter during an interview on Newsfile on January 11, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah clarified the process behind the decision. He stated that the former president had submitted a letter to the Council of State, which the Council subsequently reviewed on January 2.
On January 6, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy under Article 72 (1) to pardon eleven prisoners, a day before the conclusion of his term in office. This decision, according to an official statement, was based on a comprehensive review of the prisoners' cases, taking into account factors such as their health, duration of incarceration, and other extenuating circumstances.
"The President engaged in consultation with the Council of State, and ultimately, the decision was made that these individuals would not be pardoned," he explained.
He further elaborated on the issue of misinformation, noting that the public and some media outlets had misunderstood a leaked letter intended for the Council of State.
"Rather than examining the letter closely, many concluded that the President had already pardoned individuals. However, the letter was simply part of the consultation process with the Council of State," Mr. Tuah-Yeboah clarified.
