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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted clemency to several convicts, including Ato Essien, former CEO of Capital Bank, as part of a constitutional prerogative of mercy. The clemency was communicated in a letter dated December 31, 2024, aimed at fostering reconciliation and leniency.
Key Pardons Include:
Ato Essien
Convicted in October 2023 for embezzling GH¢620 million during the financial sector cleanup, Essien failed to meet the terms of a GH¢90 million restitution deal. He is reportedly suffering from severe medical conditions.
Philip Assibit:
Sentenced to 12 years for financial crimes related to the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA), causing a significant financial loss to the state.
Other Pardoned Individuals:
1. Akwasi Alhassan
Serving life imprisonment for a murder conviction dating back to 1993.
2. Beatrice Ofori
Convicted of human trafficking in 2023; she suffers from severe health conditions.
3. Frank Obeng
Manslaughter conviction; his 40-year sentence reduced to 12 years.
4. Stephen Nyarko
Sentenced to 30 years for robbery; has served 22 years.
5. Osman Inusah
Convicted of conspiracy to rob; struggles with mental health issues.
6. Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng
Serving a 15-year sentence for narcotic possession since 2019; has completed 8 years.
7. Emmanuel Adu Mensah
Convicted for possession of narcotics in 2024; serving a 15-year term.
8. Kwame Twum Ampofo
Sentenced to 10 years for narcotic possession in 2024.
9. Alexander Andrew Nii Lante Lawson
Convicted of stealing and sentenced to 5 years; his health has deteriorated significantly.
The pardons have sparked discussions about justice, accountability, and compassion. While some applaud the move for its humanitarian approach, others raise concerns about fairness, especially in high-profile financial crime cases.
