President Mahama Grants Presidential Pardon to 863 Prisoners Ahead of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary

In a major act of mercy and national reflection, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has granted a presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons.

The announcement was made on Monday, October 5, 2026, in a statement from the Presidency Communications signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.

According to the statement, the President exercised his prerogative of mercy in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution and following consultation with the Council of State.

The pardon is in commemoration of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary — marking the historic milestone with compassion, forgiveness and a second chance.

Full Breakdown:

The 863 beneficiaries fall under 8 categories. The vast majority are first-time offenders.

First Offenders (Outright Release) 819

Very Old – 70 years and above (Outright Release) 13

Death Sentence commuted to Life Sentence 11

Seriously ill (Outright Release) 6

Life sentence commuted to 20 years definite 6

Special Recommendation (Outright Release) 2

Petitions 3

Others 3

TOTAL863

This means 819 Ghanaians who are first-time offenders will walk free immediately, while 13 elderly prisoners aged 70 and above, and 6 seriously ill prisoners will also be granted outright release.

For 11 prisoners on death row, their sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment, while 6 prisoners serving life will now serve a definite term of 20 years.

The Presidency has directed all relevant state institutions, including the Ghana Prisons Service and the Ministry of Interior, to take the necessary steps to give immediate effect to the President’s decision.

This is not the first time President Mahama has exercised this constitutional power. In August 2025, he pardoned 998 prisoners, and in 2016, he pardoned 896 prisoners to decongest Ghana’s prisons.

Article 72(1) gives the President the power to grant pardon, respite, substitute a less severe punishment, or remit punishment entirely.