President Mahama Grants Pardon to 863 Convicts as Minister Ayariga Outlines Sweeping Local Government Reforms

President John Dramani Mahama has granted a presidential pardon to 863 convicted persons as Ghana prepares for its 70th Independence Anniversary in March 2027. The clemency, announced on October 5, 2026, primarily benefits 819 first-time offenders, alongside 13 elderly inmates and six individuals suffering from serious illnesses. The decision also includes the commutation of 11 death sentences to life imprisonment. Amid this announcement, speculation has risen regarding the potential inclusion of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. However, his spokesperson, Dr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah, clarified that they have yet to receive official confirmation of a pardon for the former NPP regional chairman, with legal counsel Maurice Ampaw even appealing to the President’s brother, Ibrahim Mahama, to intervene.

Simultaneously, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has unveiled a series of ambitious reforms aimed at decentralization and economic efficiency. A key highlight is the redesignation of "24-hour economy markets" to "District Economy Markets" to better reflect the scope of the government’s infrastructure policy. The Ministry targets 100% completion of the first phase of these market developments by 2028. Additionally, the Local Government Service (LGS) has initiated a staff rationalization plan to redistribute personnel across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), ensuring that overstaffed urban centers support regions facing human resource shortages. To enhance accountability, the government is also transitioning to a digital property tax system that eliminates cash payments.

In a move to address sanitation challenges, Minister Ayariga expressed confidence in winning the "waste management war" within a year. The strategy involves constructing three new landfill sites in Greater Accra, establishing community-level waste transfer stations, and creating 20,000 permanent jobs in the sector. These reforms are projected to significantly reduce the financial burden on citizens, with fortnightly household waste collection bills expected to drop from GH₵300 to GH₵50. This environmental focus is further bolstered by the support of Central Region traditional leaders for the impending ban on Styrofoam and polystyrene containers, which is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.

On the legislative front, the government is set to launch three major legal instruments on October 7, 2026, including the Social Protection Act, 2025, and Affirmative Action Regulations. These laws aim to strengthen the framework for gender equity and provide more robust support for marginalized populations. Parallel to these legal updates, the Ministry is working to revitalize the Chieftaincy Act, restoring the traditional powers of chiefs to summon subjects who violate local laws. This initiative includes formalizing 17 lines of succession to reduce stool and skin disputes, thereby promoting community stability.

Looking toward regional development and international cooperation, the government is positioning the Banda District in the Bono Region as a premier tourism hub within the next five years. Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources Ahmed Ibrahim highlighted the potential of the Hippo Sanctuary and Bui National Park, complemented by a unique floating solar project. Internationally, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been conducting surprise inspections of visa application centers to improve consular services for students and travelers, while diplomatic talks in Seoul have explored new cultural and creative industry partnerships between Ghana and the Republic of Korea.