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President John Dramani Mahama has pardoned 863 convicts, including commuting the sentences of 11 death row inmates, to mark Ghana's 70th Independence Anniversary.
The decision was announced on Monday, 5 October 2026, in a statement signed by the President's Spokesperson and Minister for Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The President exercised the prerogative of mercy under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, after consulting the Council of State.
The statement said the pardon is meant to mark the anniversary with "an act of mercy and national reflection."
Of the 863 beneficiaries, 819 first offenders were granted outright release. Another 13 convicts aged 70 and above were also released outright, along with six seriously ill persons. The sentences of 11 persons on death row were commuted to life imprisonment. Six life sentences were commuted to definite sentences of 20 years.
Two persons were released outright on special recommendations, and three received pardons following petitions. Three more beneficiaries fall under other categories.
The relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to give effect to the President's decision.
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