At least 896 prisoners have been granted amnesty in the country, a statement from government announced Monday.
President John Dramani Mahama freed the prisoners in commemoration of the 56th Republican Anniversary of the Republic of Ghana, the statement said.
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.
A similar move occurred in 2015 where the President freed about 900 prisoners pursuant to Article 72(1) of the constitution.
