President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has strongly denied reports suggesting that he granted presidential pardons to individuals serving various jail terms.
Media reports indicated that the President had exercised his prerogative of mercy, as outlined in Article 72 (1) of the Constitution, 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.
Among those reportedly granted pardons was William Ato Essien, who was convicted for his role in the collapse of Capital Bank. 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.
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.”
