President John Dramani Mahama has granted a presidential pardon to 998 out of 1,014 prisoners recommended for presidential pardon.
A statement issued and signed by Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP) disclosed that the pardon was granted in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
It indicated that the President granted the pardon upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State.
“President John Dramani Mahama has, upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State and in accordance with article 72(1) of the Constitution, granted amnesty to Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight (998) prisoners out of a total of One thousand and Fourteen (1,014) recommended.”
The pardon was granted to seven categories of prisoners, the statement revealed.
Seven hundred and eighty-seven first-time offenders were granted amnesty, along with 87 prisoners whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
Fifty-one inmates had their life sentences commuted to a definite term of 20 years, while 33 seriously ill prisoners were also granted amnesty.
The amnesty also included 36 individuals over 70 years old, two nursing mothers, and two prisoners who submitted petitions.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana