President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country, following recommendations by the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State. The exercise was carried out in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision, announced on Monday, August 18, 2025, covers inmates in various categories, including first-time offenders, those on death row, and prisoners serving life sentences.
According to the statement issued by the Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, “the amnesty was granted to Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight (998) prisoners out of a total of One Thousand and Fourteen (1,014) recommended.”
Out of the figure, 787 are first-time offenders, 87 inmates on death row will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while 51 life sentences will be converted to 20-year definite terms. Thirty-three prisoners classified as seriously ill will also benefit, along with 36 inmates aged over 70. Two nursing mothers and two petition cases were also considered.
The statement explained that the move reflects government’s humanitarian considerations while easing congestion in the country’s prisons. It added that such exercises remain an important part of the justice system, balancing compassion with public safety.
By: Victor Lavor
