Audio By Carbonatix
The outgoing president, Nana Akufo-Addo, has granted a presidential pardon to William Ato Essien and 10 other convicted individuals.
Mr Ato Essien, the founder of the defunct Capital Bank, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by an Accra High Court in October 2023.
He was convicted of embezzling over GH¢90 million of the Bank of Ghana’s liquidity support allocated to the now-defunct financial institution.
This decision follows his failure to fully repay the stated amount to the State, despite having agreed to do so and being afforded the opportunity.
Under the prerogative of mercy, Mr Essien, who had served one year of his 15-year sentence, is said to be suffering from "severe life-threatening medical conditions" and has undergone multiple surgeries as a result.
In addition to Mr Essien, eight other convicted individuals have been released by the president, including Philip Assibit, a convict in the GYEEDA scandal who was jailed for 12 years.
The list of the pardoned convicts is provided below:
Latest Stories
-
Gov’t assures minimal power disruption during WAPCo gas pipeline maintenance
6 minutes -
Burna Boy and Sporty Group unveil new single “For Everybody” celebrating Africa’s sports heritage and cultural excellence
15 minutes -
Achieve By Petra partners Richie Mensah to drive financial independence
20 minutes -
Kwakye Ofosu says cost of living eased under Mahama government
2 hours -
Total banking deposits stood at GH¢302.0bn in October 2025, but foreign currency deposits contracted by 21%
2 hours -
Interior Minister calls for collective action to enhance security in Ashanti Region
2 hours -
Baobab: Tree of life dying as climate change ravages Northern Ghana
2 hours -
Extradition of Ofori-Atta and Tamakloe-Attinou could take up to three years – Victoria Bright
2 hours -
Government pledges support for Accra commuters amid transport challenges
2 hours -
GES probes alleged feeding problems at Savelugu Senior High School
2 hours -
Government is reviewing Saglemi Housing deal and private takeover – Kwakye Ofosu
2 hours -
Nana Ama McBrown, Kate Henshaw headline Women of Valour London 2026
3 hours -
David Asante’s contributions at GPCL must be recognised – Vicky Bright
3 hours -
I don’t want my people to be mistreated by ICE — Ambassador Victor Smith tells US Senator
3 hours -
Detained fugitives: If you’re not prepared to be accountable, don’t hold public office – Vicky Bright
3 hours