This is based on the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State, a statement issued Thursday, March 26, 2020, by the Director-General of Prisons, Patrick Darko Missah said.

The move is in accordance with Article 72 (1) of the 1992 Constitution.

The categories of convicts affected are as below:

1. First offenders - 783
2. Seriously ill - 11
3. Inmates on death row now to be commuted to life imprisonment - 7
4. Inmates serving life sentence to have sentence commuted to 20 years definite term - 4
5. Very old prisoners 70 years and above - 3

The statement explained that the first offenders totalling 783 who have served half of their sentences, 11 seriously ill prisoners and three aged (very old) prisoners are to be released outright.

However, it added that seven prisoners on death row would have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while four prisoners serving life sentence will be commuted to 20 years definite term.