President Mahama pardons 896 prisoners

President John Dramani Mahama Monday pardoned a total of 896 prisoners in commemoration of the 56th Republican Anniversary.

The President’s gesture is in fulfilment of the1992 Constitution Article 72 (1)(a-d) which enjoins the President of the Republic, acting in consultation with the Council of State, to exercise the Prerogative of Mercy or just grant amnesty to convicted people.

The constitutional provision is a special gesture which gives the president the power to free people convicted of various crimes on humanitarian grounds or for reconciliatory purposes.

A statement from the Flagstaff House said: “President John Dramani Mahama has, in commemoration of the 56th Republican Anniversary of the Republic of Ghana, granted amnesty to a total of eight hundred and ninety-six (896) prisoners.

The pardoned prisoners are in the following categories:

1. First Offenders – 813

2. Seriously ill – 16

3. Aged 70 years and above – 63

4. Special Case (Double Amputee) – 1

5. Death row commuted to Life Imprisonment – 3