President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted pardons to several convicts under his constitutional prerogative of mercy, as communicated in a letter dated December 31, 2024.

This act underscored humanitarian considerations in the justice system.

Below is the list of pardoned individuals and their circumstances:

1. Akwasi Alhassan

He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death on March 19, 1993. Alhassan has spent 31 years in prison. His sentence has now been commuted to life imprisonment by presidential order.

2. Beatrice Ofori

Convicted of human trafficking on June 6, 2023, and sentenced to eight years with hard labor, the 64-year-old suffers from severe hypertension, which has led to significant mobility challenges. She has spent much of her sentence in the prison infirmary.

3. Frank Obeng

He was sentenced to 40 years for manslaughter. Obeng is currently serving his term in Nsawam Prison. His sentence has been reduced to 12 years following the presidential pardon.

4. Stephen Nyarko

Convicted of conspiracy to rob and robbery in December 2010 and sentenced to 30 years, Nyarko has served 22 years, including time spent on remand. His pardon recognizes the time already served.

5. Osman Inusah

Convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, Inusah was found not guilty of armed robbery. He faces mental health challenges, and his release is intended to allow proper care and management at home.

6. Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng

Convicted of attempted export and possession of narcotic substances on May 28, 2019, and sentenced to 15 years, Boateng has served eight years, including five in remand. His pardon reflects his significant time served.

7. Emmanuel Adu Mensah

Convicted of possession of narcotics in April 2024 and sentenced to 15 years, Adu Mensah was serving his term at Nsawam Prison. His release recognizes his circumstances and potential for reform.

8. William Ato Essien

Former CEO of the defunct Capital Bank, Essien was sentenced in October 2023 to 15 years' imprisonment for financial crimes, including the embezzlement of GH¢620 million in liquidity support from the Bank of Ghana.

Despite agreeing to repay GH¢90 million as restitution to avoid incarceration, Essien failed to meet the terms.

His pardon acknowledges the complexities of his case and its broader implications for the financial sector.

9. Kwabena Twum Ampofo

He was convicted of possessing narcotics and sentenced to a prison term of 10 years in April 2024. He is currently serving his prison term in Nsawam.

10. Alexander Nii Lante Lawson

He was convicted of stealing and sentenced to a prison term of five years, with hard labor. Having served three years in prison, his health has deteriorated.

11. Philip Akpeena Assibit

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2018 for his role in causing financial loss to the state relating to his role at the National Youth Empowerment Programme.

He has served six years in prison and is currently unwell, having pleaded for release due to his ill health.

See the full list below:





JKB/MA

Watch as NDC Deputy Youth Organiser cautions incoming government appointees below: