President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted clemency to several convicts, including Ato Essien, the former Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Capital Bank. Exercising his constitutional prerogative of mercy, the President’s decision was communicated in a letter dated December 31, 2024, as a gesture of leniency and reconciliation to mark the end of the year.
Ato Essien’s legal woes began with the collapse of Capital Bank, which was implicated in Ghana’s financial sector cleanup between 2017 and 2019. Found guilty of financial crimes relating to the mismanagement of funds, including the embezzlement of GH¢620 million in liquidity support provided by the Bank of Ghana, Essien became a central figure in the scandal. His actions contributed to financial instability and a loss of trust in the banking sector, with significant consequences for both customers and stakeholders.
Essien was sentenced in October 2023 to 15 years imprisonment after failing to fully comply with the terms of a restitution agreement he reached with the state. The deal required him to repay GH¢90 million to avoid incarceration. Despite numerous extensions and opportunities since December 2022, Essien managed to pay only part of the amount. This left the state with no choice but to enforce the court’s decision.
Health concerns played a significant role in his clemency. Essien is reported to suffer from severe life-threatening medical conditions and has undergone multiple surgeries. His condition, along with his partial compliance with the restitution agreement, may have influenced the President’s decision to include him in the clemency initiative.
Another notable beneficiary of the President’s pardon is Philip Assibit, who was serving a 12-year sentence for willfully causing financial loss to the state. Assibit’s conviction arose from a fraudulent transaction involving a $4 million loan meant for the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA). He was found guilty of fabricating documents to justify the payment, resulting in significant financial losses to the state. Assibit’s inclusion in the clemency list underscores the President’s balanced approach in considering both the gravity of crimes and the potential for rehabilitation.
The President’s clemency extended beyond high-profile individuals to include nine other convicts serving sentences for various crimes. Each case was assessed on individual merits, including the severity of the crime, time served, health challenges, and prospects for reintegration into society.
One such individual is Akwasi Alhassan, convicted of murder and sentenced to death on March 19, 1993. Having spent 31 years in prison, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. This marks a significant shift for Alhassan, who has spent more than three decades behind bars.
Similarly, Beatrice Ofori, a 64-year-old convicted of human trafficking in June 2023, received an eight-year sentence with hard labor. Suffering from severe hypertension that has affected her mobility, she now spends most of her time in the prison infirmary. Her inclusion highlights the importance of considering health and age in decisions about clemency.
Frank Obeng, convicted of manslaughter and originally sentenced to 40 years in prison, saw his sentence reduced to 12 years. His case demonstrates how clemency can offer a second chance to those who have shown signs of rehabilitation and remorse.
Stephen Nyarko, convicted of conspiracy to rob and robbery in 2010, received a 30-year sentence. Having already served 22 years, including time in remand, Nyarko’s clemency reflects the President’s recognition of time served and the potential for reform.
Other individuals benefiting from clemency include:
Osman Inusah, convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, who has mental health challenges requiring treatment and management at home.
Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng, serving a 15-year sentence for attempted export and possession of narcotics since May 2019, with eight years already served.
Emmanuel Adu Mensah, sentenced to 15 years for possession of narcotics in April 2024, currently serving his term at Nsawam Prison.
Kwame Twum Ampofo, convicted of possession of narcotics in April 2024, serving a 10-year sentence.
Alexander Andrew Nii Lante Lawson, sentenced to five years with hard labor for stealing in November 2021. Lawson, who was also ordered to refund GH¢532,193.26, has served three years and is now heavily dependent on medication due to deteriorating health.
This clemency initiative aligns with the principles of Ghana’s legal system, which balances justice with compassion. It demonstrates the President’s willingness to offer second chances to individuals who have shown remorse or faced extraordinary circumstances, such as severe health issues or advanced age.
As Ghana enters a new year, these pardons serve as a symbolic gesture of hope and reconciliation, encouraging society to reflect on the potential for rehabilitation and the importance of mercy. The initiative not only brings relief to the families of those pardoned but also underscores the transformative power of forgiveness in fostering unity and healing within the nation.
By considering both high-profile figures and less prominent individuals, the President’s actions reflect a commitment to fairness and equity in the application of clemency. This comprehensive approach ensures that justice is tempered with humanity, reinforcing the core values that underpin Ghana’s democracy.
