Outgoing President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has granted presidential pardon to some convicts including William Ato Essien, the founder of defunct Capital Bank.
William Ato Essien was convicted for his role in the collapse of the Capital Bank and was sentenced to pay GH¢90 million.
However, He defaulted after paying part of the money and was sentenced to 15 years in prison in December 2023.
Ato Essien has been given a presidential pardon because he is suffering from severe life-threatening medical conditions and has undergone multiple surgeries as a result.
The above was contained in a letter the President sent to the Council of State for advice in accordance with Article 72(1) to pardon certain convicted persons.
Aside from Ato Essien, Akwasi Alhassan who was convicted of murder and sentenced to death on 19th March, 1993 has been granted pardon. He has been in prison since then (31 years) and is now serving life imprisonment per presidential order.
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Beatrice Ofori, a 64-year-old woman who was convicted of human trafficking on 6 June, 2023 for 8 years with hard labour but is seriously hypertensive is also on the list. Her illness has affected both legs, leading to her inability to move freely and she therefore spends most of her time in the prison infirmary.
Also, Frank Obeng was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 40 years in prison. He is currently serving his sentence in Nsawam Prison and his sentence is proposed to be reduced from 40 to 12 years.
For Stephen Nyarko, He was convicted of conspiracy to rob and robbery in December 2010 and sentenced to 30 years. He has served 22 years in total, including time spent in remand.
Philip Akpeena Assibit was also sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2018 for willfully causing financial loss to the State related to his role at the National Youth Employment Programme. He has served 6 years in prison and has pleaded to be released on the grounds of ill health.
Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng, Emmanuel Adu Mensah, Kwame Twum Ampofo and Alexander Andrew NIl Lante Lawson who were convicted in connection with narcotics and stealing also made it to the list.
“Pursuant to Article 72 of the Constitution, the President is hereby consulting the Council on the exercise of his prerogative of mercy in this matter and would be grateful for the Council’s expeditious consideration to enable him act accordingly,” the President stated.
Meanwhile below is a statement by the President:
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com
