Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has revealed that the Council of State, in consultation with the former President, decided not to grant presidential pardons to the individuals in question a few days ago.

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on January 6, exercised his prerogative of mercy to pardon eleven prisoners, in accordance with Article 72 (1) of the Constitution, just a day before the end of his tenure.

• Read also: Here is the list of 11 convicts President Akufo-Addo pardoned

His decision followed a thorough review of their cases, with consideration given to their health, length of imprisonment, and other mitigating factors, according to a statement released.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, January 11, Mr Tuah-Yeboah stated that the former president had submitted a letter to the Council of State, which was vetted by the Council on January 2.

He explained that the president consulted with the Council of State, and ultimately, a decision was made not to pardon the individuals on the list.

“So the President consulted the Council of State, and at the end of the day, a decision was taken that these people should not be pardoned,” he said.

He also added, “The letter that was forwarded to the Council of State was leaked, and instead of most people, including some media personnel, taking time to look at that letter, they decided to come to a conclusion that the President had pardoned some people. Because that letter was a letter that the President had sent to the Council of State as part of the consultation process.”

Mr Tuah-Yeboah further revealed that, despite recent speculations, these individuals remain in prison custody as of now.