Ato Essien Among 11 Convicts Granted Presidential Pardon

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has pardoned eleven convicts including William Ato Essien as he bows out of office.

This is in accordance with Article 72 (1) of the Constitution.

Essien was convicted for his role in the collapse of Capital Bank and sentenced to 15 years after he defaulted GHS90million payment conviction in 2023.

According to the Jubilee House, he is suffering from severe life-threatening medical conditions and has undergone multiple surgeries.

Another high-profile convict included in the list of beneficiaries of the Presidential pardon is Philip Akpeena Assibit serving a 12-year jail term in 2018 for willfully causing financial loss to the State related to his role at the National Youth Employment Programme and has since served six years was also pardoned.

He has served 8 years in total including five spent in remand.

Another is Emmanuel Adu Mensah convicted of possession of narcotics and sentenced to a prison term of 15 years in April 2024.

Among the beneficiaries of the Presidential pardon is Akwasi Alhassan who has been serving in jail for 31 years as part of his life imprisonment sentence.

Also, is Beatrice Ofori convicted of human trafficking for 8 years with hard labour?  According to the Jubilee House, she is 64 years old and “seriously” hypertensive.

“This has affected both legs, leading to her inability to move freely. She spends most of her time in the prison infirmary.”

Also included in the list are Frank Obeng and Stephen Nyarko respectively convicted of manslaughter for 40 years and conspiracy to rob and robbery for 30 years.

Meanwhile, Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng. He was convicted for attempted export and possession of a narcotic substance in May 2019 and sentenced to 15 years.

“He has pleaded to be released on the grounds of ill health.”

Additionally, Osman Inusah was convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery even though he was found not guilty of armed robbery, the release stated.

It highlighted, “A petition submitted on his behalf states that he has mental health challenges, which need to be treated and managed at home.”

The rest are Kwame Twum Ampofo and Alexander Andrew Nii Lante Lawson.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini