President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy, granting pardons to several convicts, including Ato Essien, the former Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Capital Bank.

The clemency, announced in a letter dated December 31, 2024, forms part of a year-end initiative to promote leniency and reconciliation.

Ato Essien’s pardon

Ato Essien, who was convicted for financial crimes involving the mismanagement of GH¢620 million in liquidity support provided by the Bank of Ghana to Capital Bank, received a presidential pardon.

His actions were linked to the collapse of the bank and subsequent financial instability in Ghana.

Essien had been sentenced to 15 years in October 2023 after failing to fully comply with a restitution agreement that required him to pay GH¢90 million to the state.

Despite multiple extensions, he only made partial payments.

Reports of his deteriorating health, including life-threatening medical conditions and surgeries, played a key role in the clemency decision.

Clemency for Philip Assibit

Philip Assibit, convicted for his involvement in a $4 million fraudulent transaction linked to the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA), was also granted clemency.

Assibit, who was serving a 12-year sentence for willfully causing financial loss to the state, is among those receiving presidential mercy.

Additional Pardons

The President extended clemency to seven other convicts under unique circumstances, including:

Akwasi Alhassan – Convicted of murder and sentenced to death in 1993. After serving 31 years, his sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment.

Beatrice Ofori – A 64-year-old woman convicted of human trafficking in 2023 and sentenced to eight years. Her severe hypertension and impaired mobility, which confined her to the prison infirmary, influenced her pardon.

Frank Obeng – Originally sentenced to 40 years for manslaughter, his sentence has been reduced to 12 years after serving part of his term at Nsawam Prison.

Stephen Nyarko – Convicted of conspiracy to rob and robbery in 2010, Nyarko has served 22 years, including time in remand.

Osman Inusah – Convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery. His pardon was granted due to mental health challenges requiring external treatment.

Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng – Convicted in 2019 for attempted export and possession of narcotics and sentenced to 15 years. He has served eight years, including five in remand.

Emmanuel Adu Mensah – Serving a 15-year sentence since April 2024 for narcotics possession, Adu Mensah is currently at Nsawam Prison.