Parliament’s Human Rights Committee Applauds Mahama’s Amnesty for 998 Prisoners

Parliament’s Human Rights Committee has commended President John Dramani Mahama for granting presidential amnesty to 998 prisoners across Ghana.

In a statement signed by Chairman Ernest Yaw Anim, the Committee described the decision as “a step in the right direction” and a strong demonstration of the government’s commitment to protecting human dignity within the justice system.

The statement highlighted that the amnesty was particularly timely, given longstanding concerns about overcrowding and harsh conditions in Ghana’s prisons. “We view this development with great excitement and appreciation, and consider it a shared commitment towards the advancement of human dignity,” it read.

The Committee recalled its working visit to the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons on May 19, 2025, where members assessed the state of facilities and urged the government to accelerate prison reforms. It noted that the latest amnesty represents a positive response to some of its earlier recommendations.

Despite welcoming the gesture, the Committee reiterated calls for a review of the daily feeding allocation for inmates, which currently stands at GH¢1.80. Mr Anim urged the government to raise the amount to at least GH¢5 to ensure prisoners’ welfare meets both local and international standards.

“We urge the government to raise the allocation to a minimum of GHS5 in order to guarantee the rights of prisoners and ensure adherence to both local and international standards,” he stressed.

He added that such measures would not only improve conditions but also contribute to building “a fairer, just and progressive society.”