Akufo-Addo denies pardoning Ato Essien, 10 others

The Office of the President has dismissed reports alleging that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo granted a presidential pardon to 11 individuals, including convicted figures like William Ato Essien and Philip Akpeena Assibit.

In a statement on January 6, 2025, Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications, called the claims baseless, stating the President had not exercised his prerogative of mercy in these cases.

Essien, serving 15 years for failing to pay a GHS90 million fine tied to the collapse of Capital Bank, reportedly faces serious health challenges.

Assibit was convicted in 2018 for causing financial loss to the State, while another alleged recipient, Akwasi Alhassan, is serving a life sentence for murder since 1993.

The statement urged the public to disregard the false reports and rely on official channels for accurate information.