Three inmates have been officially discharged from the Wa Central Prison in the Upper West Region under President John Dramani Mahama’s 2026 presidential amnesty, as authorities call for greater support to help former prisoners reintegrate into society. Editorial Ethics & Independence
The discharge ceremony was held on October 23, 2026, following the President’s decision to grant clemency to convicted persons across the country.
The exercise was carried out under Article 72(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which empowers the President to exercise the prerogative of mercy after consultation with the Council of State.
Upper West Regional Prisons Commander, DDP Alhaji Ousmane Tasembedo, said 18 inmates from the Wa Central Prison had initially been submitted to prison headquarters for consideration under the amnesty programme. Of that number, 13 received presidential approval.
However, only three were physically discharged during the ceremony because the remaining 10 had already left the prison through the normal sentence-discharge process before the amnesty approval reached the facility.
The development means that although 13 inmates were approved for the presidential amnesty, the ceremony marked the formal release of the final three who were still in custody.
Speaking at the event, DDP Tasembedo said the presidential amnesty should be viewed as more than an opportunity to leave prison. He described it as a chance for beneficiaries to change their lives, rebuild relationships and contribute positively to their communities.
“The granting of amnesty should not be viewed merely as an act of releasing inmates from prison, but rather it represents an opportunity for transformation, reconciliation, integration, and a fresh beginning,” he said.
The commander urged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, hardworking and law-abiding as they return to their communities. He also appealed to families and relatives to provide the support needed to help former inmates adjust to life outside prison.
He said reintegration was a shared responsibility, noting that family and community acceptance could play an important role in helping discharged prisoners avoid returning to criminal activity.
The Wa Central Prison has also been working to equip inmates with practical skills that can improve their chances of earning a living after release.
According to DDP Tasembedo, two of the 13 approved beneficiaries acquired skills in traditional smock sewing, while another received training in tailoring. Editorial Standards
The Prisons Service, with support secured from Sahara Trade, is expected to provide materials to help the trained beneficiaries establish themselves and apply the skills they acquired while in custody.
The commander said the facility had supported the reformation and rehabilitation of 34 inmates since 2024. He added that prison authorities monitor former inmates to assess their progress and determine whether the support provided is being used for its intended purpose.
The follow-up efforts, he said, had produced encouraging results, reinforcing the importance of vocational training and practical assistance as part of rehabilitation.
For the beneficiaries, the amnesty offers an opportunity to begin a new chapter. Speaking on their behalf, 39-year-old Yakubu Anas expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the opportunity to return to society.
Anas said he had spent two years and five months in prison out of a four-year sentence. He also thanked prison authorities for the vocational training he received during his incarceration and pledged to make good use of the skills acquired.
He promised to maintain good behaviour and work towards building a productive life after his discharge.
Nuokpem Richard, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries’ families, also thanked the government and prison officials for providing training and support to inmates.
He expressed hope that the discharged individuals would use the opportunity to pursue their goals and become responsible members of society.
The ceremony was attended by local representatives, including Daubile Alhassan Ibrahim, Assembly Member for Jonga and Chairman of the Wa Municipal Justice and Security Committee, who represented the Municipal Chief Executive. Corrections Policy
Ibrahim cautioned the beneficiaries to conduct themselves responsibly and reminded them that the presidential amnesty did not grant immunity from prosecution for future offences.
He urged them to respect the law and avoid actions that could lead to a return to prison.
President Mahama’s 2026 amnesty was granted in accordance with Article 72(1) of the Constitution and following consultation with the Council of State.
The national exercise forms part of the President’s prerogative of mercy and includes different categories of convicted persons.
The Wa Central Prison ceremony highlights the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration in the correctional system.
While the release of inmates marks the end of their period in custody, their ability to rebuild their lives may depend on access to employment, family support and opportunities to apply the skills acquired during incarceration.
Prison authorities say the provision of start-up materials and continued monitoring are intended to help beneficiaries become self-reliant. The approach also reflects a broader effort to support rehabilitation beyond the prison walls.
As the three inmates return to their communities, the Prisons Service has called on families, local leaders and potential employers to support their transition.
Authorities say the success of the amnesty will depend not only on the act of release but also on whether beneficiaries are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.