President Nana Akufo-Addo has exercised his prerogative of mercy under Article 72(1) of the Constitution to grant pardons to nine convicted persons, including the former CEO of Capital Bank, William Ato Essien.
He was sentenced in December 2023 to 15 years in prison for his role in the collapse of Capital Bank.
Ato Forson and two other accomplices were charged with 23 counts of conspiracy, stealing from the ¢620 million liquidity support given to the bank by the Bank of Ghana (BoG), to enable it to service its maturing debt.
He was initially sentenced to pay GHS 90 million but defaulted after part of the amount was paid.
He earlier paid ¢30 million upfront and was required to pay ¢20 million as the first instalment of the ¢60 million outstanding amount by April 28, 2023. This was in the criminal case filed against him following the collapse of the bank.
Following his inability to fully pay the said amount back to the State after agreeing to do so, he was handed the sentence.
However, after serving barely a year of his sentence, Ato Essien has been pardoned due to severe medical conditions. He is reportedly suffering from life-threatening health issues and has undergone several surgeries.
He is one of the nine persons Akufo-Addo showed clemency.
The other individuals are:
Philip Akpeena Assibit who is serving time for causing financial loss to the State in relation to the National Youth Employment Programme, Assibit has served 6 of his 12-year sentence and has requested release due to health concerns.
Akwasi Alhassan, convicted of murder in 1993 and sentenced to death, Alhassan has been in prison for over three decades. His sentence has now been commuted to life imprisonment.
Beatrice Ofori, convicted in 2023 for human trafficking, Ofori, 64, has been suffering from severe hypertension that has left her bedridden and unable to move. She currently resides in the prison infirmary.
Frank Obeng, convicted of manslaughter in 2004 and sentenced to 40 years. His sentence has been reduced to 12 years.
Stephen Nyarko, convicted of conspiracy to rob and robbery. He has served 22 years of his 30-year sentence and will soon be granted release.
Osman Inusah, convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, Inusah was found not guilty of armed robbery. A petition for his release highlighted his mental health issues, prompting the President’s intervention.
Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng, convicted for attempted export and possession of narcotic substances in 2019. Boateng, who has served 8 years, will be released after serving part of his 15-year sentence.
Emmanuel Adu Mensah was recently sentenced in April 2024 for possession of narcotics. Mensah remains incarcerated in Nsawam Prison.
Article 72(1) of the Constitution of Ghana gives the President the power to grant pardon, respite (partial pardon), substitute punishment or remit punishment.
