BY: Kenneth Appiah Bani
President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of activities commemorating Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The decision was announced on Monday, October 5, 2026, following consultations with the Council of State and in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution. The constitutional provision empowers the President to exercise the prerogative of mercy in appropriate cases, including granting pardons and commuting sentences.
According to the Presidency, the decision is intended to mark the country’s 70th independence anniversary with an act of mercy, compassion and national reflection.
The pardon covers convicted persons who fall under different categories, with the largest group being first-time offenders.
A total of 819 first offenders have been granted outright release under the President’s decision. The move provides eligible beneficiaries with an opportunity to return to their communities and begin the process of rebuilding their lives after serving time in prison.
The President has also extended the pardon to vulnerable prisoners. Thirteen persons aged 70 years and above have been granted outright release, while six seriously ill convicted persons will also be released.
In addition to the outright releases, President Mahama has approved the commutation of 11 death sentences to life imprisonment. This means the affected prisoners will no longer face execution but will instead serve life sentences.
Another six persons serving life sentences will have their sentences commuted to 20-year definite terms. The decision therefore changes the nature and duration of their sentences in accordance with the presidential directive.
The pardon also includes two persons recommended for special consideration, who have been granted outright release. Three cases considered under petitions and three other cases are also included in the exercise.
In total, the various categories account for 863 convicted persons who will benefit from the President’s prerogative of mercy.
The Presidency has directed the relevant state institutions to take the necessary steps to give effect to the decision. This means the appropriate authorities are expected to begin the administrative and legal processes required to implement the pardons and sentence commutations.
The decision forms part of the broader significance attached to Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary. The Presidency described the exercise as an opportunity to demonstrate mercy and encourage national reflection while recognising the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration for eligible convicted persons.
The presidential pardon also highlights the constitutional role of the head of state in matters concerning convicted persons. While the courts determine guilt and impose sentences, the Constitution gives the President, after consultation with the Council of State, the authority to exercise mercy in specified circumstances.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications.
The release of the 863 beneficiaries is therefore expected to provide relief to affected prisoners and their families, while the commutation of sentences will alter the legal status and duration of imprisonment for others. The initiative, according to the Presidency, forms part of the national reflection accompanying Ghana’s 70th year as an independent nation.
