Over 800 First-Time Offenders Among Prisoners Granted Amnesty

The President, John Dramani Mahama, has granted amnesty to 1,014 prisoners following consultations with relevant state institutions.

In a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, it was explained that the decision was based on recommendations from the Prisons Service Council and consultations with the Council of State, in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

Out of the 1,014 inmates recommended, amnesty has been granted to 998. According to the statement, 887 first-time offenders have been pardoned, while the death sentences of 87 inmates have been commuted to life imprisonment.

About 51 inmates serving life sentences will also now serve 20-year definite terms. The statement also noted that 33 seriously ill prisoners and 36 inmates aged over 70, irrespective of their offences, have been freed.

Two nursing mothers and two inmates who submitted petitions for clemency have also benefited from the presidential pardon. Meanwhile HNA reports that Mr Francis Ahovi, Executive Director, Global Security for Africa Research and Good Governance (GLOSARRG) has commended President John Dramani Mahama for granting amnesty to prisoners across the country.

He said the decision was appropriate in promoting democracy and good governance, as humanitarian efforts remained critical and essential for the peace of Ghana and the entire West Africa Sub-Region.

President Mahama, in a recent release, granted amnesty to 998 prisoners, following the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council, in consultation with the Council of State, and in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications.

The release indicated a total of 787 prisoners who are first time offenders, 87 persons on death sentence to be commuted to life imprisonment, and 51 to be commuted to 20-years definite term.

The rest were 33 prisoners having serious illnesses, 36 who are over 70 years, two nursing mothers, and two persons on petitions.

The development, according to some residents within Akatsi South, should not serve as motivation to criminals to perpetrate violence or engaged in offensive conducts.

They called on law enforcement agencies especially the Ghana Police Service to remain proactive in dealing with law offenders in society.

“I think this action by the President is in the right order,” a resident said during an interview with the Ghana News Agency.

The decision forms part of the President’s constitutional mandate to exercise the prerogative of mercy in deserving cases. A total of 1,014 inmates were recommended for amnesty, out of which 998 were approved.

The post Over 800 First-Time Offenders Among Prisoners Granted Amnesty appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story