UPDATED: THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN UPDATED TO REFLECT COMMUNICATION FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Our news portal earlier reported that The President of the Republic of Ghana H.E Nana Akuffo Addo on his last day in office had pardoned some prisoners including Ato Essien, CEO of defunct Capital Bank. This was an error and we apologize sincerely for it.
We also stated that William Ato Essien, who was jailed for the default in paying GHS 90million was among those who were pardoned.
Mr Essien was sentenced to15 years in prison for his role in the collapse of the defunct Capital Bank.
In the letter that contained the supposed pardon, Ato Essien is said to have suffered several health conditions and undergone multiple surgical procedures.
Others included persons sentenced to prison for drug trafficking charges, manslaughter, human trafficking and murder.
This attempt is the president’s exercise of his prerogative mercy in accordance with Article 72 (1) of the constitution to pardon certain convicted persons.
Facts
This letter which is dated on the 31st Dec 2024 was rather seeking council on the exercise of the President’s prerogative of mercy to consider a possible pardon for the nine individuals. The letter was signed by Kow Abaka Essuman. Esq who is Ag. Secretary to the President and Legal Counsel to the President.
Release From Office Of The President
A letter dated on 6th January 2025 from the office of the President, signed by Eugene Arhim, Director of Communications refuted the assertion of the presidential pardon.
He stated that the assertion is inaccurate and that none of the individuals in the list have been pardoned.
