Following the Prisons Service Council’s recommendation and after consulting with the Council of State, President John Dramani Mahama granted presidential amnesty to 998 inmates nationwide in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
President Mahama’s constitutional authority to use the prerogative of mercy in worthy circumstances is reflected in this action. Amnesty was granted to 998 of the 1,014 inmates who were recommended.
Minister of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced the decision in a statement.
The following inmates were given amnesty by Mahama, according to the statement:
- First-time offenders – 787 persons
- Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment – 87 persons
- Life sentences commuted to 20 years’ definite term – 51 persons
- Seriously ill prisoners – 33 persons
- Prisoners over 70 years, irrespective of offence – 36 persons
- Nursing mothers – 2 persons
- Petition cases – 2 persons
In Ghana, the term “presidential amnesty” usually refers to the president’s authority to commute or pardon prisoner sentences. This is frequently carried out at times of national reflection or on noteworthy occasions like Independence Day.
In addition, Amnesty International Ghana works to end the death penalty and promote the release of prisoners of conscience as part of its human rights advocacy.
Important facets of Ghana’s presidential amnesty:
The Ghanaian president is empowered by the constitution to commute sentences and offer pardons.
Amnesty is frequently offered on important anniversaries or national holidays.
Amnesty may take the shape of sentence reductions, prisoner releases, or other leniencies.
Below is the Full Statement:
Source: newsthemegh.com