William Ato Essien, the founder and former CEO of Capital Bank, was wrongfully imprisoned, according to John Apea, Head of Mission, Commonwealth Enterprises and Investment Council, not because he stole money but rather because of what he describes as “a miscarriage of justice” influenced by human rights concerns.
Apea is spearheading a clemency petition, requesting a presidential pardon on the basis of equity, Essien’s deteriorating health, and the Commonwealth Charter’s more general values of compassion and justice.
Given Essien’s condition and the events leading up to his conviction, Apea contends that the court’s decision might not represent a fair and compassionate conclusion.
Apea makes it clear that he is calling for leniency in order to pursue fair justice that takes human dignity into account, not to justify financial mismanagement or misconduct.
The petition presents the issue as one in which international human rights standards and compassion call for a reevaluation. It was created after collaboration with civic, religious, and legal organizations.
John Apea claims that he is not implying that Essien is not financially responsible at all, but rather that he feels that the harshness of his punishment and the way he has been treated in prison have gone too far and are not consistent with just and compassionate treatment.
Following a decision by the Accra High Court, William Ato Essien was condemned and sent to prison on October 12, 2023. After he failed to repay GH₵90 million as part of a plea deal, the court sentenced him to 15 years of hard jail. In May 2023, the state filed an application that resulted in the jail term when Essien failed to meet the agreed repayment deadlines.
What Led To Nana Agradaa’s 15-Year Prison Sentence—Full Breakdown
In December 13, 2022, Essien pleaded guilty and entered a plea-bargain agreement to repay GH₵90 million to avoid prison—paying GH₵30 million immediately, then GH₵60 million in 2023 installments.
By April–August 2023: He failed to make the required GH₵20 million payments, prompting the state’s application for incarceration.
On October 12, 2023, the High Court officially sentenced and jailed Essien for 15 years.
