President John Dramani Mahama's 2026 amnesty has resulted in the discharge of 13 first-offender inmates from Wa Central Prison, with three released at a ceremony on October 23. The beneficiaries, who received vocational training during inca
It doesn't mean that when you are granted this amnesty today and you go out there and commit any offense the law will not say oh some time ago the president was granted you amnesty to go home and rest.
998 prisoners nationwide received amnesty under constitutional provision
President Mahama granted amnesty to 998 prisoners serving various jail terms across prisons in the country. The gesture was made upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State, in accordance with Article 72(1) of the Constitution.
Thirteen first-offender inmates have been officially discharged from the Wa Central Prison after benefiting from the 2026 presidential amnesty granted by President John Dramani Mahama. The release ceremony, held on October 23, 2026, marked the discharge and reintegration of these individuals back into society.
Upper West Regional Prisons Commander DDP Alhaji Ousmane Tasembedo revealed that 18 names were initially submitted to the prison headquarters for amnesty consideration. Out of this number, 13 were approved by the President in conformity with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution. However, only 3 inmates were discharged at the ceremony, as the remaining ten had already gone home through the standard one-third sentence discharge process before the amnesty reached them due to bureaucratic processes.
Rehabilitation and vocational training
The Regional Commander emphasized that the amnesty represents an opportunity for transformation and a fresh beginning rather than merely a release from custody. He noted that the Wa Central Prisons has successfully reformed and rehabilitated 34 inmates since 2024. Among the 13 approved amnesty beneficiaries, two acquired vocational skills in smock sewing and tailoring. The service will present them with start-up materials to begin their new lives.
Conditions of amnesty
Assembly Member for Jonga and Wa Municipal Justice and Security Chairman Daubile Alhassan Ibrahim, representing the Municipal Chief Executive, cautioned the beneficiaries to conduct themselves properly as they reintegrate into society. He clarified that the amnesty does not provide immunity from future prosecution.
It doesn't mean that when you are granted this amnesty today and you go out there and commit any offense the law will not say oh some time ago the president was granted you amnesty to go home and rest.
Beneficiaries express gratitude
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, 39-year-old Yakubu Anas expressed deep appreciation to the President for the unique opportunity. Anas also extended gratitude to the regional command for the vocational training received during incarceration, promising to put the acquired skills to good use and maintain good behavior.
Nuokpem Richard, speaking for the families of the beneficiaries, thanked the government and prison officials for the training provided to the inmates. He expressed hope that the discharged inmates would continue their development and achieve their goals in the near future.
Mentioned in this story
Granted presidential amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country, including 13 first-offender inmates discharged from Wa Central Prison on October 23, 2026.
Revealed that 18 names were submitted for amnesty consideration with 13 approved, and emphasized that the amnesty represents an opportunity for transformation rather than merely a release from custody.
Cautioned the amnesty beneficiaries to conduct themselves properly during reintegration and clarified that the amnesty does not provide immunity from future prosecution.
“It doesn't mean that when you are granted this amnesty today and you go out there and commit any offense the law will not say oh some time ago the president was granted you amnesty to go home and rest.”
Spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressing deep appreciation to the President for the amnesty opportunity and gratitude for the vocational training received during incarceration.
Discharged 13 amnesty beneficiaries on October 23, 2026, and has successfully reformed and rehabilitated 34 inmates since 2024, including providing vocational skills training in smock sewing and tailoring.