President John Dramani Mahama has been petitioned to grant a presidential pardon to William Ato Essien, founder of Capital Bank.
Essien is serving a 15 year jail term for misappropriating over GH¢90 million in liquidity support provided by the Bank of Ghana to Capital Bank.
He was initially asked to pay GH¢90 million as restitution to the state. Ato Essien failed to meet his side of terms agreed on with the then Attorney General and the court.
He paid only GH¢30 million upfront leaving the remaining GH¢60 unpaid.
The petition, submitted by lawyer Andrew Appiah-Danquah raised serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of William Ato Essien’s conviction and imprisonment.
It emphasized Essien’s significant contributions to Ghana’s financial sector as the founder of Capital Bank, highlighting how his leadership and innovation created thousands of jobs, supported local businesses, and empowered Ghanaian entrepreneurs.
The petition argued that his conviction undermined the accomplishments of a visionary entrepreneur who demonstrated that local enterprises could succeed in a competitive financial industry.
“To avoid a prolonged trial, Mr. Essien was pressured into a plea bargain, agreeing to pay GH₵ 90 million—an amount significantly higher than the alleged loss which he has already paid GH₵ 43.75 million.”
“Granting a Presidential Pardon to Ato Essien will not only restore justice but will also affirm your commitment to a truly new Ghana—one where freedom and justice are not just words, but lived realities,” the petition added.
Read Petition below:
