1st July Amnesty: We will release 1000 inmates on amnesty – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to grant amnesty to 1,000 inmates on July 1, as part of ongoing prison decongestion efforts.

The President disclosed that last year, 998 inmates were released under a similar exercise, stressing the government’s commitment to easing congestion within correctional facilities across the country.

He made the remarks on Saturday during a visit to Nsawam Medium Security Prison, where members of the Ringway Gospel Centre Assemblies of God presented assorted food items to inmates.

“We will be giving amnesty. Last year, we released 998 inmates. This year we will release 1000. Very soon, we will grant this amnesty, which is scheduled for July 1st,” he stated.

Beyond the amnesty announcement, President Mahama outlined plans to improve healthcare and general living conditions within the prison. He pledged to construct a fully equipped hospital for inmates, noting that the initiative would be undertaken in partnership with the First Lady, Lordina Mahama.

“Also, we are going to build a nice hospital and stock it with medical equipment. I’m doing this with Lordina Mahama. I’m sure you’ve heard she’s been building hospitals so she told the Director General that we will be building one here so we can equip the facility. This will ensure that when you’re sick, you can be taken care of,” he told the inmates.

The President further indicated that the government would expand infrastructure at the facility to tackle overcrowding. This includes the construction of a remand prison to accommodate inmates awaiting trial.

He added that recreational facilities would also be introduced to support rehabilitation and improve inmate welfare.

“Further, we will be opening a remand prison, and I’ve told the Director General we will build an astroturf and also a basketball court and a volleyball court as well,” he said.

The announcements were met with cheers and applause from inmates, who expressed hope that the proposed interventions would significantly improve conditions within the facility.

The visit forms part of broader government efforts to engage correctional institutions while promoting rehabilitation, humane conditions, and reintegration of inmates into society.