President John Mahama has granted amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country.

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

A total of 1,014 prisoners had been recommended for consideration, but the figure was further reduced on further assessment.

A statement signed by Minister of Government Communications and presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu explained that the amnesty covered several categories of prisoners.

The breakdown is as follows:

• First-time offenders: 787
• Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment: 87
• Life sentences commuted to 20 years' definite term: 51
• Seriously ill prisoners: 33
• Prisoners over 70 years old (irrespective of offence): 36
• Nursing mothers: 2
• Special petitions: 2