President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has used his constitutional power of mercy to pardon several convicts, including Ato Essien, the former CEO of the now-defunct Capital Bank.
William Ato Essien was sentenced to 15 years in prison in December, 2023 for financial crimes, including the mismanagement of funds and the embezzlement of GH¢620 million in liquidity support provided by the Bank of Ghana to Capital Bank.
Philip Assibit was also sentenced to 12 years in prsion in 2018 for causing financial loss to the state. He has spent six years in prsion. Assibit has pleaded to be released due health complications he is facing.
Beatrice Ofori was convicted of human trafficking on 6th June, 2023. The 64-year-old is now hypertensive and finds it difficult to walk.
Akwasi Alhassan was convicted of murder and was sentenced to death on 19th March 1993. He has been in prison custody till date. Alhassan will now serve life imprisonment as the president grants him presidential pardon.
The act of the president falls in line with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
The list of people pardoned include, Philip Assibit, Akwasi Alhassan, Beatric Ofori, Emmanuel Adu Mensah,Stephen Nyarko, Osman Inusah, William Ato Essien and three others.
Below is an excerpt from a letter the president sent to the Council of State seeking counsel pursuant to Article 72(1) regarding the pardon of specific convicted individuals.
