Agradaa And Essien Won’t Be Home Soon
Nana Agradaa and Ato Essien are missing from President’s Mahama’s amnesty list. Some express shock, others do not at all.
President John Dramani Mahama has officially granted amnesty to 998 inmates across Ghana’s correctional facilities. This was announced by the Presidency on Monday evening, August 18, 2025.
Notably missing from the list is Nana Agradaa. She is a current Preacher of with a congregation and a former fetish priest.
Composition of the Amnesty List: No Agradaa and Ato Essien
A statement from Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed the widespread pardon. Specifically, the list includes two inmates who had personally petitioned for amnesty, though their names were withheld. Furthermore, the amnesty extends to 33 seriously ill prisoners, 36 inmates over the age of 70, and two nursing mothers. In addition, 87 prisoners on death row will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
High-Profile Exclusions from the List
However, the list notably excludes several prominent individuals. According to Graphic Online, former Capital Bank CEO William Ato Essien is not part of the pardoned inmates. Essien, who was convicted in April 2023 for misapplying Bank of Ghana funds, is currently on bail for medical reasons pending an appeal.
Similarly, Patricia Asiedu Asiamah (Nana Agradaa), who is serving a 15-year sentence, was also excluded as she has served less than six months.
Rationale and Additional Details
According to the official statement, humanitarian considerations significantly influenced the decision. Consequently, President Mahama approved 998 of the 1,014 inmates the Prisons Service Council recommended for amnesty.
This move directly applies constitutional mercy provisions to tackle prison congestion and address compelling humanitarian cases.
Additionally, the amnesty includes 787 first-time offenders who will be released. Finally, 51 inmates serving life sentences will have their terms reduced to a definite 20 years
