President Mahama Pardons 863 Convicts to Mark Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary

​His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has granted presidential pardons to 863 convicted persons across the country. The announcement was made in an official statement issued on Monday, October 5, 2026, by the Minister for Government Communications and Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu. The decision, taken in consultation with the Council of State, forms part of activities commemorating Ghana’s milestone 70th Independence Anniversary. 

​The prerogative of mercy was exercised pursuant to Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which empowers the President to grant pardons, remissions, or commutations of sentences to convicted individuals. According to the Presidency, this historic gesture aims to mark seven decades of national sovereignty with forgiveness, reconciliation, and administrative relief within the penal system. Relevant state authorities and correctional institutions have already been instructed to execute the directive immediately. 

​A breakdown of the beneficiaries indicates that the vast majority are first-time offenders. Out of the total 863 beneficiaries, 819 individuals were granted outright release as first offenders, alongside 13 elderly inmates aged 70 years and above, 6 seriously ill prisoners, 2 under special recommendation, 3 through petitions, and 3 classified under other categories. These groups are set to rejoin their respective communities following the official authorization. 

​In addition to outright releases, the presidential pardon extends relief to inmates serving long-term and capital punishment sentences. Under the constitutional directive, 11 inmates previously facing the death sentence have had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while 6 individuals serving life sentences have had their terms reduced to a definite 20-year sentence. Government officials emphasized that the move aligns with ongoing efforts to foster national unity and human rights development.

@Volta Today