Parliament’s Human Rights Committee has commended President John Dramani Mahama for granting presidential amnesty to 998 prisoners across the country. 

The Committee described the move as “a step in the right direction” and a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to upholding human dignity within the justice system.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ernest Yaw Anim, the Committee noted that the gesture was timely, particularly in the face of longstanding concerns about overcrowding and harsh prison conditions.

“We view this development with great excitement and appreciation, and consider it a shared commitment towards the advancement of human dignity,” the statement read.

The Committee recalled that it had undertaken a working visit to the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons on 19 May 2025, where members assessed the conditions of inmates and urged government to expedite efforts at improving facilities nationwide. 

According to the Committee, the latest presidential amnesty represents a positive response to some of its earlier concerns.

However, the Committee also renewed calls for a review of the daily feeding allocation for prisoners, which currently stands at GH¢1.80. 

“We urge government to raise the allocation to a minimum of GHS5 in order to guarantee the rights of prisoners and ensure adherence to both local and international standards,” Mr Anim said. 

He added that such an improvement would be vital in building “a fairer, just and progressive society.”