President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners following the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council, in consultation with the Council of State, and in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision was communicated in a statement by Minister of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Monday.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the President’s constitutional mandate to exercise the prerogative of mercy in deserving cases. A total of 1,014 inmates were recommended for amnesty, out of which 998 were approved.
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In January, before the former administration left office, reports said Ato Essien was likely being considered for a pardon due to his ill health.
But, while the list did not include the names of the pardoned convicts, graphic online reports that the list doesn’t include former MD of defunct capital bank, Ato Essien and Prophetess Patricia, popularly known as Agradaa.
Recently, the Court of Appeal granted him bail pending an appeal of his sentence. This came amid petitions that Essien should be pardoned.