Presidential Amnesty: Ghanaian Man Freed After 51 Years in Jail Reflects on Painful Past

• A 72-year-old man shared his painful prison journey after spending 51 years behind bars for murder
• He was sentenced to life imprisonment, but later received a presidential pardon from President John Mahama
• The ex-inmate expressed regret and urged Ghanaian youth to stay calm and avoid violence at all costs

A 72-year-old inmate who was pardoned as part of President John Mahama's presidential amnesty has narrated his experience after spending 51 years in prison.

In an interview with a representative of the Prisons Public Relations Unit, the elderly man, whose name remains undisclosed, stated that he was convicted of murder at age 22.

According to his narration, he was caught and imprisoned after he stabbed a man to death with a bottle during a brawl and was unfortunately sentenced to death. Luckily, his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.

He explained that he served time at Nsawam Prison for 21 years before being moved to Kumasi Central Prison. Now free, he has reflected on his life behind bars, describing it as a long, painful chapter filled with remorse and growth.

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Presidential Amnesty: Elderly ex-inmate shares prison experience

Speaking to the PRU representative, the elderly man admitted deep regret for his actions and used the opportunity to caution the youth. He advised the young generation to always remain calm and avoid violence, no matter the provocation.

He also emotionally referred to the prison officers as his 'father and mother,' expressing immense gratitude for their care, especially during trying times.

In his words:

"First of all, I thank the President. The path I took... if it were today, I wouldn't have done it. If you are a man, you have to learn to be calm. Even if you are provoked, you must be calm. I use myself as an example and thank God."

The man was among 998 inmates granted amnesty through a presidential pardon initiative by President Mahama. It was aimed at decongesting prisons and giving reformed inmates a second chance.

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Watch the emotional video of the elderly ex-inmate below:

Presidential Amnesty: 72-year-old ex-inmate stirs reactions

YEN.com.gh collected reactions from Ghanaians who watched his interview on X. Some of the comments are below.

@Galaxywan10 commented:

"This man went to jail when I wasn’t born.😭"

@Bukari_Bansuwer said:

"A little patience would’ve helped or changed his unfortunate situation. This is free advice to all of us. Let’s apply patience in whatever we do or encounter, it will go a long way to benefit us."

@Until_we_get_it pondered:

"How is he going to find his family members? They might have moved on elsewhere."

@_therealbee_ said:

"51 years in prison. What's left for you to live for again?"

@Nanakayanfield commented:

"If you have life, there's hope father. God knows why you spent 51 years there."

Presidential Amnesty: Ex-inmates reunite with families

YEN.com.gh had earlier reported that President Mahama granted amnesty to 998 inmates, reducing overcrowding and giving many a second chance at life.

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A touching video showed an emotional inmate in a wheelchair, overwhelmed by the moment, soon after his release.

Prisoners at Kumasi Central Prison reunited with their families in scenes filled with tears and gratitude.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh