Akufo-Addo seeks pardon for Ato Essien, Philip Assibit, and 9 others

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has sought advice from the Council of State to exercise his constitutional prerogative of mercy to pardon several convicts, including Ato Essien, the former Chief Executive Officer of the now-defunct Capital Bank.

Mr. Essien was sentenced to 15 years in prison by an Accra High Court in October 2023.

He was convicted for embezzling over GH¢90 million of the Bank of Ghana’s liquidity support allocated to the now-defunct financial institution.

The judgement followed his failure to fully repay the stated amount to the State, despite having agreed to do so and being afforded the opportunity.

The letter from the Office of the President, dated December 31, 2024, signed by Secretary to the President, Kow Essuman, seeking input from the Council of State, indicated that Mr. Essien was suffering from “severe life-threatening medical conditions” and had undergone multiple surgeries as a result.

The president is considering pardons for eight other prisoners, including Philip Assibit, a convict in the GYEEDA scandal who was jailed for 12 years.