Eighty-seven prisoners who were on death row have had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment under a presidential amnesty granted by President John Mahama.

The decision was taken on the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council, in consultation with the Council of State, and in line with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

In total, 998 inmates were granted amnesty across various categories.

Minister of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said in a statement today (August 18) that the exercise also covered 787 first-time offenders, 51 life sentences reduced to 20 years' jail term, 33 seriously ill prisoners, 36 inmates above 70 years, two nursing mothers, and two prisoners freed through petitions.