Gabriel Agambila calls for greater Upper East inclusion in Presidential Prison Amnesty Programme
The founder of development advocacy group Alagumgube, Gabriel Agambila, has called on judicial authorities and stakeholders in the Upper East Region to ensure that more inmates from the region benefit from President John Dramani Mahama's upcoming amnesty programme.
According to Mr. Agambila, the region was poorly represented in the last presidential clemency exercise, despite nearly 1,000 inmates nationwide benefiting from the initiative. He claimed that only two inmates from the Upper East Region's prisons were included in the programme, a situation he described as disappointing.
President Mahama recently granted amnesty to 998 prisoners across Ghana under Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following recommendations from the Prisons Service Council and consultations with the Council of State. Beneficiaries included first-time offenders, elderly inmates, seriously ill prisoners, nursing mothers, and inmates serving death and life sentences. The exercise was aimed at promoting rehabilitation while helping to reduce congestion in the country's correctional facilities.
Mr. Agambila believes that many inmates from the Upper East Region are serving sentences for relatively minor offences and should be considered for clemency.
"Most of our people usually commit minor crimes like stealing fowls or small amounts of money. I think they deserve amnesty and our support to help them reintegrate into society," he stated.
His appeal comes as reports indicate that the President is expected to grant amnesty to another 1,000 inmates as part of this year's Republic Day commemorations. The planned exercise is expected to target selected categories of prisoners, including first-time offenders, elderly inmates, and those who have served significant portions of their sentences.
The Alagumgube founder urged the judiciary, prison authorities, and regional stakeholders to work together to ensure deserving inmates from the Upper East Region are fairly represented in the selection process.