President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of activities marking Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The decision, announced by the Presidency on Monday, October 5, 2026, was taken under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution following consultation with the Council of State.
The largest group of beneficiaries comprises 819 first offenders who have been granted outright release.
The President has also approved the outright release of 13 convicted persons aged 70 years and above, six seriously ill persons and two others based on special recommendations.
In addition, 11 persons serving death sentences will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while six persons serving life sentences will have their sentences commuted to 20-year definite terms.
Three persons have been granted pardon following petitions, while another three fall under other categories.
The Presidency said the exercise was intended to commemorate Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary with “an act of mercy and national reflection.”
“The relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to give effect to the President’s decision,” the statement said.
