President John Dramani Mahama has exercised the presidential prerogative of mercy to pardon 863 convicted persons as part of activities marking Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The decision, announced on Monday, October 5, 2026, was taken pursuant to Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers the President to exercise the prerogative of mercy after consultation with the Council of State.
According to a statement signed by the President’s Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the presidential intervention is intended to commemorate the anniversary through an act of mercy while providing an opportunity for national reflection.
Relevant state institutions have subsequently been directed to take all necessary measures to implement the President’s decision and give effect to the various categories of pardon and sentence reductions.
Out of the 863 beneficiaries, 819 first time offenders have been granted outright release under the exercise of presidential clemency.
A further 13 convicted persons who are 70 years and above have also been granted outright release, while six persons suffering from serious illnesses have been released.
The President has additionally commuted the sentences of 11 persons on death row to life imprisonment, thereby removing the death penalty from their respective sentences.
In another category, six persons serving life sentences have had their sentences reduced to definite terms of 20 years.
Two other convicted persons have been granted outright release following special recommendations, while three beneficiaries received presidential pardon after submitting petitions for consideration.
Another three persons have been granted relief under other categories covered by the presidential decision.
The exercise forms part of the President’s constitutional authority under Article 72 and represents one of the most significant uses of the prerogative of mercy announced in connection with the country’s independence commemorations.
The beneficiaries are expected to be processed by the relevant state institutions in accordance with the President’s directive as arrangements are made to give effect to their release or revised sentences.
The announcement comes as Ghana prepares to mark its 70th Independence Anniversary, with the presidential pardon presented as an act of mercy and an opportunity for reflection on justice, rehabilitation and the circumstances of convicted persons.
The decision was formally announced by the Presidency on Monday, October 5, 2026.
