President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of activities commemorating Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Monday, October 5, 2026, the President exercised the prerogative of mercy in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, following consultation with the Council of State.
The decision is intended to mark Ghana’s significant national milestone with an act of mercy, compassion and national reflection.
The Presidency has directed the relevant state institutions to take the necessary steps to give effect to the President’s decision.
Categories of Persons Granted Pardon
The largest category consists of first offenders, with 819 persons granted outright release. This represents the majority of the 863 beneficiaries.
The other categories include very old prisoners, seriously ill persons, individuals serving life sentences and persons on death sentences.
The breakdown is as follows:
First Offenders (Outright Releases): 819
Very Old Persons, 70 Years and Above (Outright Release): 13
Death Sentence Commuted to Life Sentence: 11
Seriously Ill Persons (Outright Release): 6
Life Sentence Commuted to 20 Years Definite: 6
Special Recommendation (Outright Release): 2
Petitions: 3
Others: 3
Total: 863
The pardon therefore includes both outright releases and reductions or commutations of sentences, depending on the category under which a convicted person falls.
President Mahama Exercises Constitutional Power
The presidential pardon is based on the constitutional authority granted to the President under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution. The provision gives the President the power to exercise the prerogative of mercy in certain circumstances after consultation with the Council of State.
The latest decision is expected to provide relief to hundreds of convicted persons and their families, particularly the first offenders, elderly persons and those suffering from serious illnesses.
The Presidency described the decision as an act of mercy and national reflection in commemoration of Ghana’s Independence Anniversary.
The statement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications.
The relevant institutions are expected to implement the decision and ensure that the beneficiaries receive the appropriate relief in accordance with their respective categories.
