President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has extended presidential clemency to nine convicts, including William Ato Essien, the former CEO of the defunct Capital Bank, as part of a year-end pardon initiative aimed at promoting reconciliation and compassion.
Ato Essien, whose financial mismanagement led to the collapse of Capital Bank and contributed to Ghana’s financial sector crisis, was serving a 15-year prison sentence handed down in October 2023.
His conviction followed his failure to fulfil a restitution agreement to repay GH¢90 million to the state.
Essien’s release is reportedly tied to severe health conditions, with reports indicating that he has undergone multiple surgeries.
Another high-profile convict who got clemency was Philip Assibit, who was serving a 12-year jail term for causing financial loss to the state through a fraudulent $4 million loan transaction under GYEEDA.
The pardons extended beyond high-profile cases to include individuals convicted of offences ranging from murder to narcotics-related crimes. The seven additional beneficiaries are:
- Akwasi Alhassan— A death row inmate since 1993 for murder, now serving a life sentence.
- Beatrice Ofori— convicted in 2023 for human trafficking, her pardon reflects considerations of her advanced age (64) and deteriorating health.
- Frank Obeng— serving 40 years for manslaughter, his sentence has been reduced to 12 years.
- Stephen Nyarko— convicted of robbery, he has served 22 years of a 30-year sentence.
- Osman Inusah— convicted for conspiracy to commit robbery; his pardon is linked to mental health challenges.
- Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng— serving time for narcotic offences since 2019, with eight years completed.
- Emmanuel Adu Mensah— convicted in 2024 for possession of narcotics, he remains incarcerated with possible adjustments to his sentence.
