Outgoing President has exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy by granting pardons to several convicts, including , the former Chief Executive Officer of the now-defunct Capital Bank.
The move is in accordance with Article 72(1) of the Constitution.
According to a letter dated December 31, 2024, the decision is part of a broader initiative to grant clemency to these convicts, marking the end of the year with a gesture of leniency and reconciliation. "He is suffering from severe, life-threatening medical conditions and has undergone multiple surgeries as a result," the letter explained in regard to Ato Essien.
was convicted for his involvement in the collapse of Capital Bank following the clean-up exercise conducted by the between 2017 and 2019.