President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of an exercise of the prerogative of mercy.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Monday, October 5, 2026, the decision was taken in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution and following consultation with the Council of State.
The Presidency said the pardon forms part of efforts to mark what it described as Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary, with the exercise intended to symbolise an act of mercy and national reflection.
The categories of persons covered by the pardon include 819 first offenders, who are to receive outright release.
A further 13 persons aged 70 years and above have also been granted outright release, while six seriously ill prisoners are to be released.
In addition, 11 persons on death sentences will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
The President has also commuted the life sentences of six persons to 20-year definite sentences.
Two persons benefiting from special recommendations have been granted outright release, while three petitions and three other cases are also covered by the presidential decision.
The statement, signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said relevant state institutions had been directed to take the necessary steps to give effect to the President’s decision.
Breakdown of the presidential pardon
First offenders — 819
Persons aged 70 years and above — 13
Death sentences commuted to life — 11
Seriously ill persons — 6
Life sentences commuted to 20 years — 6
Special recommendations — 2
Petitions — 3
Others — 3
Total — 863
The exercise constitutes one of the President’s constitutional powers under Article 72, which empowers the President, after consultation with the Council of State, to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment to persons convicted of offences.
