President Akufo-Addo Grants Presidential Pardons to Ato Essien and Others

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy to grant pardons to several convicts, including Ato Essien, the former Chief Executive Officer of the now-defunct Capital Bank. The decision, communicated in a letter dated December 31, 2024, marks the end of the year with a gesture of leniency and reconciliation.

Ato Essien’s legal troubles began after the collapse of Capital Bank, one of the institutions implicated in Ghana’s financial sector cleanup between 2017 and 2019. He was found guilty of financial crimes involving the mismanagement of GH¢620 million in liquidity support from the Bank of Ghana. His failure to repay GH¢90 million under a restitution agreement led to his 15-year prison sentence in October 2023.

Reports suggest that Ato Essien’s severe health conditions, including multiple surgeries, contributed to the clemency decision.

The President also granted clemency to Philip Assibit, who had been serving a 12-year sentence for causing financial loss to the state through fraudulent transactions linked to the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA).

In addition, seven other individuals received pardons under this clemency initiative:

Akwasi Alhassan – Convicted of murder in 1993 and sentenced to death, now serving life imprisonment after 31 years.


Beatrice Ofori – Convicted of human trafficking in 2023 and sentenced to 8 years. At 64, her severe health conditions influenced her pardon.


Frank Obeng – Sentenced to 40 years for manslaughter; his sentence has been reduced to 12 years.


Stephen Nyarko – Convicted of robbery in 2010 and sentenced to 30 years; he has served 22 years.


Osman Inusah – Convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery; mental health challenges led to his clemency.


Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng – Convicted of narcotics-related offenses in 2019 and sentenced to 15 years; he has served 8 years.


Emmanuel Adu Mensah – Convicted of possession of narcotics in 2024 and sentenced to 15 years.


The pardons reflect a broader clemency initiative aimed at addressing humanitarian concerns while fostering reconciliation and hope.

Credit:Nana Kwasi Asare

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