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Mahama Pardons 863 Prisoners in Exercise of Presidential Mercy
President Mahama exercises constitutional prerogative of mercy, securing releases and sentence commutations for 863 convicted persons.
- 819 first offenders released
- 11 death sentences commuted
- 13 elderly prisoners freed
President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of activities marking Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The President exercised the prerogative of mercy under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State.
According to a statement signed by the President’s Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the decision is intended to mark the anniversary with an act of mercy and national reflection.
Of the 863 beneficiaries:
- 819 first offenders have been granted outright release.
- 13 persons aged 70 and above have been released.
- Six seriously ill prisoners have also been granted outright release.
- 11 death-row sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment.
- Six life sentences have been reduced to 20-year definite sentences.
- Two persons received outright release following special recommendations.
- Three persons were pardoned following petitions.
- Three others fall under other categories.
Relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to implement the President’s decision, which was announced on Monday, October 5, 2026.
