By Ghana News Kwame Bediako
Online discourse in Ghana shows significant resistance to a pardon petition for William Ato Essien, convicted founder of defunct Capital Bank.
Dr. John Apea, Head of Mission for the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, initiated the clemency appeal citing humanitarian considerations.
Dr. Apea鈥檚 July 2025 statement described Essien鈥檚 imprisonment as procedurally problematic, referencing the convict鈥檚 health and advocating 鈥渃ompassionate intervention.鈥 He confirmed plans to formally submit the petition to the Presidency, emphasizing alignment with 鈥淐ommonwealth ideals of fairness.鈥
Public criticism focuses on Essien鈥檚 2023 conviction for financial crimes that contributed to banking sector reforms. Many Ghanaians question special consideration for white-collar offenses, with online commentary reflecting concerns about equal application of justice.
The petition emerges amid ongoing discussions about judicial consistency and rehabilitation frameworks for financial crimes in Ghana. No official response has been issued by the President鈥檚 office regarding the appeal.