Renowned Ghanaian satirical comedian and media personality Kwaku Sintim-Misa, popularly known as KSM, has appealed to President Nana Akufo-Addo to show leniency toward William Ato Essien, the imprisoned founder of the defunct Capital Bank.
KSM’s plea comes amid reports that Essien, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for embezzling GH¢90 million in liquidity support from the Bank of Ghana, is suffering from a severe spinal injury that has left him wheelchair-bound. The comedian also revealed that Essien had spent nearly eight months receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital, raising concerns about his deteriorating health in prison.
Essien, once a prominent entrepreneur and founder of First Capital Plus Bank (later rebranded as Capital Bank), was convicted on October 23, 2023, after pleading guilty to charges of theft and financial malfeasance. The court ordered him to repay the stolen funds, but KSM claims Essien is willing to settle the debt yet unable to do so while incarcerated. The comedian argued that keeping Essien in prison under his current medical condition serves no purpose, especially if he is willing to make restitution. His appeal has sparked mixed reactions, with some Ghanaians sympathizing with Essien’s health struggles while others insist that justice must be served.
The case has reignited debates about accountability in Ghana’s banking sector, which has seen several high-profile collapses in recent years, including Capital Bank’s 2017 failure. The Bank of Ghana had provided emergency liquidity support to keep the bank afloat, but Essien and other executives were accused of siphoning the funds for personal gain. His sentencing was seen as a landmark moment in Ghana’s fight against financial crimes, but KSM’s intervention has introduced a humanitarian dimension to the discussion. Critics, however, argue that leniency could set a dangerous precedent, especially when ordinary Ghanaians face harsh penalties for lesser offenses.
As the debate continues, KSM’s plea puts pressure on the presidency to consider Essien’s health and willingness to repay the debt. While some view the request as a call for compassion, others see it as special treatment for a wealthy individual who contributed to a major financial scandal. The government has yet to respond publicly, but the case highlights the tension between justice and mercy in high-profile white-collar crimes. Whether Essien’s sentence will be commuted remains uncertain, but the discussion has once again brought attention to Ghana’s judicial and banking reforms.
