Disregard reports regarding presidential pardons – Presidency
Disregard reports regarding presidential pardons – Presidency
The outgoing President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dismissed reports making rounds on some traditional as well as social media platforms suggesting that he (Akufo-Addo) has granted presidential pardons to some individuals serving various jail terms.
The purported reports indicated that the President had exercised his prerogative of mercy, as outlined in Article 72 (1) of the 1992 Republican Constitution of Ghana, to grant pardons to several convicted individuals.
This action, allegedly taken on December 31, 2024, was said to address humanitarian concerns, including the health challenges faced by certain inmates.
However, in an official statement released on January 6, 2025, Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Office of the President, categorically refuted the claims, describing them as “inaccurate.”
“The attention of the Office of the President has been drawn to reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted a presidential pardon to certain individuals.
We wish to categorically state that these assertions are inaccurate, and no pardon has been granted by President Akufo-Addo.
The Presidency called on the public to disregard the reports.
The public is kindly urged to disregard any contrary information and rely on official communications from the Office of the President,” portions of the statement read.
Among those reported to have been granted the presidential pardons was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Bank, Mr. William Ato Essien, who was convicted for his role in the collapse of Capital Bank.
Mr. Ato Essien, sentenced to pay GHS 90 million and later imprisoned for 15 years after failing to make full payment, suffers from life-threatening medical conditions and has undergone multiple surgeries.
