President Nana Akufo-Addo has granted amnesty to a total of 808 prisoners upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State.
The amnesty is also in accordance with Article 72 (1) of the Constitution, a statement from the Prisons Service stated.
The categories of the prisoners released are First offenders – 783, seriously ill – 11, inmates on death row to be commuted to life imprisonment – 7 and inmates serving a life sentence to have the sentence commuted to 20 years definite term – 4.
Three very old prisoners who are 70 years and above have also been granted amnesty.
According to the statement, the first offenders totalling 783 who have served half of their sentences, 11 seriously ill prisoners and three aged (very old) prisoners are to be released outright.
However, seven 7 prisoners on death row would have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment; while four prisoners serving life sentence will be commuted to 20 years definite term.