President John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as part of activities marking Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
The decision was announced by the Presidency on Monday, October 5, 2026, under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution and following consultation with the Council of State.
According to the announcement, the largest category comprises 819 first offenders who have been granted outright release.
Thirteen convicted persons aged 70 years and above have also been granted outright release, while six seriously ill persons have been released.
In addition, 11 death sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment, while six persons serving life sentences have had their sentences reduced to 20-year definite terms.
Two persons under special recommendations have been granted outright release, while three cases were considered through petitions and another three under other categories.
The decision forms part of the commemoration of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary, with the Presidency describing the exercise as an act of mercy and national reflection.
Is Chairman Wontumi Among Those Pardoned?
The announcement has generated significant public interest because of Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction in an illegal mining-related case.
Wontumi had previously appealed to President Mahama for clemency after his conviction. His spokesperson, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, said in July that Wontumi had apologised to the President and First Lady and appealed for consideration of his circumstances.
However, the Presidency’s announcement of the 863 beneficiaries does not publish the names of individual beneficiaries. There is therefore no official confirmation in the announcement that Wontumi has been granted a pardon or outright release.
Reports suggesting that Wontumi is likely to be released should consequently be treated as unconfirmed unless the Presidency, the Ghana Prisons Service or another authorised institution identifies him among the beneficiaries.
Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour by the Accra High Court in July 2026 after being convicted in connection with illegal mining activities involving Akonta Mining Limited. The case has also been subject to an appeal process.
The presidential pardon exercise covers different categories of convicted persons, meaning that inclusion in the overall figure of 863 does not automatically mean every beneficiary is being released. Some sentences have instead been commuted or reduced.
The relevant state institutions have been directed to take the necessary steps to give effect to President Mahama’s decision.
