Presidential amnesty discharge at Wa Central Prison
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
Key points
13 inmates discharged under Mahama's 2026 presidential amnesty
“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.”
President Mahama exercised constitutional powers to grant amnesty to select prisoners, with the Wa Central Prison ceremony on October 23, 2026 marking the formal release and reintegration of these individuals back into society.
Amnesty does not shield beneficiaries 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.”
Officials warned discharged inmates that the amnesty is a one-time act of clemency, not a blanket immunity—they remain subject to prosecution if they commit new crimes after release.
Vocational training prepares amnesty beneficiaries for employment
“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.”
The prison's rehabilitation program equipped inmates with practical job skills before release, and authorities are providing materials to help them establish livelihoods and reduce recidivism risk.
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.”
The Wa Central Prison discharge is part of a nationwide amnesty exercise affecting nearly 1,000 inmates, carried out through proper constitutional and advisory channels to reduce prison overcrowding and provide rehabilitation opportunities.
Notable people & entities
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.
“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.”
Cautioned the amnesty beneficiaries to conduct themselves properly during reintegration and clarified that the amnesty does not provide immunity from future prosecution.
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.