President John Dramani Mahama granted amnesty to more than 900 prisoners across the country, following a recommendation by the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State.

The announcement was made through an official statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye-Ofosu on Monday, August 18, 2025.

According to the statement, the amnesty was granted in accordance with Article 72 of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers the President to exercise the prerogative of mercy.

The statement outlined the categories and total number of inmates who qualified for the amnesty.

President Mahama grants amnesty to 998 prisoners

Below are the categories and the number listed in the release:

First-time offenders – 787

These are individuals convicted for the first time, often for minor or non-violent crimes. The idea is to give them a second chance at rehabilitation.

Death-row inmates – 87

These are prisoners whose sentences were life imprisonment and have served at least two-thirds of their sentences and have maintained good conduct.

Life-sentence prisoners – 51

These prisoners will now serve fixed 20-year terms instead of life sentences.

Seriously ill inmates – 33

These are prisoners who were suffering from terminal or life-threatening illnesses.

Prisoners aged above 70 years – 36

These are prisoners aged 70 and above who have served a substantial portion of their sentences.

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Nursing mothers - 2

Women with babies were granted amnesty to allow them to care for their children.

Petitioners – 2

These prisoners directly appealed to the Presidency to forgive their punishment, and their request was accepted.

In total, President Mahama granted amnesty to 998 prisoners nationwide.

VKB/VPO

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