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A total of 794 prisoners have been granted amnesty by the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Whilst some had their sentences commuted, others gained total freedom.
A statement signed by the Director of Prisoners, Patrick Darko Missah said the pardon was meant to “mitigate the dangers posed by congestion” in the prisons in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The action was to commemorate the Workers Day, which was marked on 1st May, 2020, the statement said.
It was taken in consultation with the Council of State in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
The categories of convicts affected are:
> First Offenders – 772
> Very old prisoners (70 years and above) – 16
>Seriously ill – 4
> Death sentence commuted to life imprisonment – 2
The statement explained that first offenders who have served at least half of their sentences, as well as the 16 very old prisoners and 4 seriously ill prisoners are to be released outright.
