Two hundred and eighteen prisoners heaved a sigh of relief when they were released by the authorities of the Prisons Service in the Ashanti Region as part of the amnesty granted by President, John Dramani Mahama.

They were released from the Kumasi Central, Manhyia, Amanfrom, Adansi Ahensan and Obuasi prisons.

The atmosphere at the Kumasi Central Prisons, was so hilarious when those pardoned stepped out of the metal gate.

Some of them raised their hands to the sky and prayed while others broke down wailing. It was a mixed feeling of sorrow and happiness.

The President, on Republic Day, granted amnesty to 900 prisoners across the country.

It was a gesture that successive governments had embarked upon every Republic Day.

According to the Assistant Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Kumasi Central Prisons, George Owusu, the 218 pardoned prisoners, which included three females, were first offenders of good behavior who had served a minimum of half of their sentences or more.

He said all the prisoners were given money for transportation, to their destinations.

The PRO called on the relatives of the prisoners to accept them wholeheartedly into their folds to enable them live normal lives.