On 23 October 2026, thirteen first‑offender inmates were officially discharged from Wa Central Prison following President John Dramani Mahama’s 2026 presidential amnesty. The release ceremony celebrated the inmates’ reintegration into society after they had served their sentences.
Upper West Regional Prisons Commander DDP Alhaji Ousmane Tasembedo said 18 names were initially submitted for amnesty consideration; the President approved 13 in line with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution. Three of those inmates were released at the ceremony, while ten had already been discharged through the standard one‑third‑sentence process before the amnesty reached them.
Commander Tasembedo highlighted that the amnesty offers a chance for transformation rather than merely a release from custody. He noted that the prison has successfully re‑formed and rehabilitated 34 inmates since 2024, and that two of the 13 approved beneficiaries have acquired vocational skills in smock sewing and tailoring. The prison will provide start‑up materials to help them begin new lives.
Assembly Member for Jonga and Wa Municipal Justice and Security Chairman Daubile Alhassan Ibrahim, speaking on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive, cautioned the beneficiaries to conduct themselves properly upon reintegration. He clarified that the amnesty does not grant immunity from future prosecution, adding, “It doesn’t mean that when you are granted this amnesty today and you go out there and commit any offense the law will not say oh some time ago the president was granted you amnesty to go home and rest.”
Representing the beneficiaries, 39‑year‑old Yakubu Anas expressed deep appreciation to the President and thanked the regional command for the vocational training received during incarceration, vowing to use the skills and maintain good behaviour. Nuokpem Richard, speaking for the families, thanked the government and prison officials for the training and prayed that the beneficiaries would achieve their aims and become productive members of society.
The event underscores the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and the potential for former inmates to contribute positively to their communities. The next steps will involve monitoring the beneficiaries’ reintegration and ensuring they have access to employment opportunities that match their newly acquired skills.
