Mahama releases 896 prisoners

President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 896 prisoners in commemoration of the 56th Republican Anniversary of the Republic of Ghana, according to a statement from government.

The freed prisoners are in the following categories:

1. First Offenders – 813

2. Seriously ill – 16

3. Aged 70 years and above – 63

4. Special Case (Double Amputee) – 1

5. Death row commuted to Life Imprisonment – 3

The President has asked the prisoners to conduct themselves well as they return to society and avoid breaching the law again.

This comes after the President freed 900 prisoners in 2015 on similar grounds.

Article 72(1) of the constitution indicates that the President may in consultation with the Council of State grant a person convicted of an offence a pardon either free or subject to lawful conditions.

Source: emmanueldonkorgh.blogspot.com