Akufo-Addo pardons Ato Essien, Philip Assibit, seven others

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo granted clemency to several convicts, including Ato Essien, former CEO of Capital Bank, and Philip Assibit, convicted for financial crimes.

Essien, sentenced to 15 years for embezzling GH¢620 million, was pardoned due to severe health issues after failing to fulfill restitution terms. Assibit, serving 12 years for defrauding GYEEDA of $4 million, also received a pardon.

Seven others were pardoned:

*Akwasi Alhassan, on death row for 31 years, now serving life imprisonment.
*Beatrice Ofori, a human trafficking convict with severe health problems.
*Frank Obeng, a manslaughter convict, had his sentence reduced.
*Other pardoned individuals include those convicted for robbery and narcotics
offenses, many with health or age-related concerns.

The move highlights compassion and reconciliation.