President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has pardoned 11 convicts, including Ato Essien and Philip Assibit, under the constitutional prerogative of mercy.
A letter dated December 31, 2024, announced the clemency initiative, aimed at fostering reconciliation and leniency as the year concluded. Ato Essien, former CEO of the defunct Capital Bank, faced legal issues after the bank’s collapse during the 2017-2019 financial cleanup.
He was convicted for mismanaging GH¢620 million in liquidity support and sentenced to 15 years in prison in October 2023. Essien’s failure to fully repay a GH¢90 million restitution deal, despite several extensions and lifelines granted to him since December 2022, led to his incarceration.
He is said to be suffering from severe life-threatening medical conditions and has undergone multiple surgeries as a result. Philip Assibit, was serving 12 years for causing financial loss to the state, was also granted clemency under the initiative.
Assibit’s conviction stemmed from a fraudulent $4 million Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) loan deal, which caused significant losses to the state. He was found guilty of fabricating documents to justify the payment, resulting in significant financial loss to the state.
Nine other convicts also benefited from the pardon, with various crimes and circumstances prompting the decision to release or reduce sentences.
Full List of Pardoned Individuals and Crimes:
- Akwasi Alhassan – He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death on 19th March 1993. He has been in prison since then (31 years). He is now serving life imprisonment per presidential order.
- Beatrice Ofori – She was convicted of human trafficking on 6th June 2023 for 8 years with hard labour. She is currently 64 years old and is seriously hypertensive. This has affected both legs, leading to her inability to move freely. She spends most of her time in the prison infirmary.
- Frank Obeng – He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 40 years in prison. He is currently serving his sentence in Nsawam Prison. His sentence is proposed to be reduced from 40 to 12 years.
- Stephen Nyarko – He was convicted of conspiracy to rob and robbery in December 2010 and sentenced to 30 years. He has served 22 years in total, including time spent in remand.
- Osman Inusah – He was convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery even though he was found not guilty of armed robbery. A petition submitted on his behalf states that he has mental health challenges, which need to be treated and managed at home.
- Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng – He was convicted for attempted export and possession of narcotic substances on 28th May 2019 and sentenced to 15 years. He has served 8 years in total including five spent in remand.
- Emmanuel Adu Mensah – He was convicted of possession of narcotics and sentenced to a prison term of 15 years in April 2024. He is currently serving his prison term in Nsawam Prison.
- Kwame Twum Ampofo – He was convicted of possession of narcotics and sentenced to a prison term of 10 years in April 2024. He is currently serving his prison term in Nsawam Prison.
- Alexander Andrew Nii Lante Lawson – He was convicted of stealing and sentenced to a prison term of 5 years with hard labour and ordered to refund an amount of GH¢532,193.26 on 5th November, 2021. He has served 3 years in prison. His health has deteriorated significantly while he has been in prison, and he is dependent on medication.
