President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of activities commemorating Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary.
The decision, announced in a statement issued by the Presidency on Monday, October 5, 2026, was taken in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution and following consultation with the Council of State.
According to the statement signed by the Minister for Government Communications and Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, the pardon forms part of an act of mercy and national reflection marking the significant milestone in Ghana’s history.
The largest group benefiting from the President’s decision is 819 first offenders, who have been granted outright release.
The remaining beneficiaries fall into several categories. They include 13 very old persons aged 70 and above, who have been granted outright release, while 11 persons on death sentences will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
Additionally, six seriously ill prisoners have been granted outright release, while another six persons serving life sentences will have their sentences commuted to 20-year definite terms.
Two persons have also been granted outright release under a special recommendation, while three petitions and three other cases have been considered under the President’s exercise of the prerogative of mercy.
The Presidency said relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to give effect to the President’s decision.
The categories are as follows:
- First offenders: 819
- Very old persons (70 years and above): 13
- Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment: 11
- Seriously ill persons: 6
- Life sentences commuted to 20 years: 6
- Special recommendations: 2
- Petitions: 3
- Others: 3
- Total: 863
The exercise reflects the constitutional power vested in the President to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment, subject to the provisions of the Constitution.
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