In a significant exercise of constitutional powers, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted pardons to nine convicts, including William Ato Essien, the former Chief Executive Officer of the now-defunct Capital Bank. This decision, communicated in a letter dated December 31, 2024, marks a noteworthy act of clemency aimed at reconciliation and compassion.
Background on William Ato Essien’s Case
William Ato Essien was convicted in 2023 for his role in the collapse of Capital Bank, following allegations of misappropriating ¢620 million in liquidity support provided by the Bank of Ghana (BoG). Initially sentenced to pay GHS 90 million, he defaulted after paying part of the amount. Having served less than a year of his 15-year sentence, Essien was pardoned on medical grounds, with reports highlighting severe life-threatening conditions and multiple surgeries.
List of Pardoned Individuals and Their Cases
1. Akwasi Alhassan
Convicted of murder in 1993 and initially sentenced to death, Alhassan’s punishment was later commuted to life imprisonment. After 31 years behind bars, his sentence remains under review.
2. Beatrice Ofori
Sentenced in June 2023 to eight years for human trafficking, Ofori, aged 64, suffers from severe hypertension, impairing her mobility and confining her to the prison infirmary.
3. William Ato Essien
Convicted for financial mismanagement linked to Capital Bank, Essien’s pardon was granted due to critical medical conditions.
4. Frank Obeng
Serving a 40-year sentence for manslaughter, Obeng’s punishment may be reduced to 12 years due to his exemplary conduct.
5. Stephen Nyarko
Sentenced to 30 years for robbery in 2010, Nyarko has served 22 years and awaits consideration for early release.
6. Philip Akpeena Assibit
Convicted in 2018 for willfully causing financial loss to the state, Assibit has served six years of his 12-year sentence and petitioned for release on health grounds.
7. Osman Inusah
Convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, Inusah’s clemency plea is based on his mental health challenges, necessitating treatment outside prison.
8. Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng
Serving a 15-year sentence for narcotics possession since 2019, Boateng has completed eight years, including five in remand.
9. Emmanuel Adu Mensah
Convicted in 2024 for narcotics possession, Mensah is serving a 15-year sentence at Nsawam Prison.
Constitutional Basis for Clemency
President Akufo-Addo’s decision aligns with Article 72(1) of Ghana’s Constitution, which empowers the President, in consultation with the Council of State, to grant pardons, respite, or reduced sentences.
The President’s clemency underscores the nation’s commitment to upholding justice tempered by compassion, particularly in cases involving health challenges or long-term incarceration.
This significant move reflects the constitutional prerogative of mercy, fostering dialogue around rehabilitation, justice, and human rights in Ghana’s judicial system.
