In a significant exercise of presidential power, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted pardons to several convicts, including Ato Essien, the former CEO of the defunct Capital Bank, and Philip Assibit, a businessman convicted of financial crimes. This move was communicated in a letter dated December 31, 2024, symbolizing a gesture of leniency at the close of the year.
Ato Essien's Case
Ato Essien faced legal troubles following the collapse of Capital Bank, a key player in Ghana's financial sector cleanup between 2017 and 2019. He was found guilty of financial crimes, including embezzling GH¢620 million in liquidity support provided by the Bank of Ghana, which contributed to a loss of public confidence in the banking system.
Essien was sentenced to 15 years in October 2023 after failing to fully comply with a restitution deal that required him to repay GH¢90 million. Despite multiple extensions granted since December 2022, he only managed partial payments. The President’s clemency was reportedly influenced by Essien’s severe health conditions, which have required multiple surgeries.
Philip Assibit's Pardon
Philip Assibit, sentenced to 12 years for willfully causing financial loss to the state, was also pardoned. His conviction stemmed from fraudulent transactions involving a $4 million loan meant for the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA). Assibit was found guilty of fabricating documents to justify the loan’s disbursement, leading to substantial financial losses.
Other Pardoned Convicts
Seven additional individuals received presidential pardons, including:
Akwasi Alhassan: Convicted of murder in 1993 and sentenced to death, his sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment after 31 years in prison.
Beatrice Ofori: Convicted of human trafficking in 2023, the 64-year-old is serving an 8-year sentence but suffers from severe hypertension and limited mobility.
Frank Obeng: Convicted of manslaughter and originally sentenced to 40 years, his term has been reduced to 12 years.
Stephen Nyarko: Serving a 30-year sentence for robbery since 2010, he has already served 22 years, including time on remand.
Osman Inusah: Convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, his pardon was influenced by mental health concerns.
Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng: Convicted of drug trafficking in 2019, he has served 8 of his 15-year sentence.
Emmanuel Adu Mensah: Convicted in 2024 for possession of narcotics, he is currently serving a 15-year term.
This broad clemency initiative underscores the President’s constitutional prerogative of mercy and reflects a blend of compassion and considerations for health, rehabilitation, and judicial fairness.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0