ACCRA, Aug 19 (NNN-GNA) — President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country, following a recommendation by the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State.
The decision, made in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, was announced in a statement and signed by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
According to the statement, a total of 1,014 inmates were recommended for consideration, out of which 998 were approved by the President.
The categories of convicts affected include first-time offenders, prisoners on death row, those serving life sentences, seriously ill inmates, prisoners above 70 years of age, nursing mothers, and petitioners.
In all, 787 first-time offenders were pardoned, 87 death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, and 51 life sentences were reduced to 20 years definite terms.
Additionally, 33 seriously ill inmates and 36 prisoners aged over 70 years, irrespective of their offences, were granted amnesty. Two nursing mothers and two petitioners were also considered. — NNN-GNA
