Watch emotional scenes as prisoners granted amnesty reunite with families

President John Dramani Mahama in consultation with the Council of State, granted amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country, following a recommendation by the Prisons Service Council.

In line with the directive, some prisoners who benefited from the president’s amnesty, particularly those from Kumasi Central Prison, experienced what appeared to be a long-awaited moment of freedom as they reunited with their families.

President Mahama grants amnesty to 998 prisoners

In a series of videos shared on Facebook by an account called JM Ba Kwadwo and sighted by GhanaWeb on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, some of the prisoners appeared ill, with one confined to a wheelchair, while many others looked fragile and aged.

Some family members during the reunions, could hardly hold back their tears amid the emotionally charged moment.

In one of the videos, some of the prisoners, nicely dressed and carrying their belongings, could be seen sharing warm embraces with their families after years of separation.

Background

The presidential pardon, granted in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, was announced in a statement issued on Monday, August 18, 2025, and signed by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

According to the statement, a total of 1,014 inmates were recommended for consideration, out of which 998 were approved by the President.

The categories of convicts affected include first-time offenders, prisoners on death row, those serving life sentences, seriously ill inmates, prisoners above 70 years of age, nursing mothers, and petitioners.

See categories and number of persons granted amnesty by President Mahama

In all, 787 first-time offenders were pardoned, 87 death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, and 51 life sentences were reduced to 20 years definite terms.

Additionally, 33 seriously ill inmates and 36 prisoners aged over 70 years, irrespective of their offences, were granted amnesty. Two nursing mothers and two petitioners were also considered.

Watch the video below;



MAG/VPO

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