In a dramatic turn of events, the Office of the President has categorically refuted earlier rumors of presidential pardon for Ato Essien, former CEO of the now-defunct Capital Bank circulating on social media.
The misinformation, which spread rapidly across platforms like X, claimed that Ato Essien, who had been sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2023 for financial crimes related to the mismanagement and embezzlement of GH¢620 million in liquidity support from the Bank of Ghana, was among those pardoned.
The Office of the President, in a statement released on January 6, 2025, and signed by the Director of Communications, Eugene Arhin, clarified the situation. The statement read: “We wish to categorically state that these assertions are inaccurate, and no pardon has been granted by President Akufo-Addo. The public is kindly urged to disregard any contrary information, and rely on official communications from the Office of the President.” This clarification came in response to widespread media reports and social media posts that had initially suggested the president had granted clemency based on various mitigating factors, including health conditions and time served.
This incident underscores the rapid dissemination of misinformation through social media and the importance of official channels in verifying such critical information. The denial from the presidency aims to dispel any confusion and maintain public trust in the legal process, particularly in cases of high-profile financial crimes like those associated with Ato Essien.
Rumors of Presidential Pardon for Ato Essien Debunked by Ghana Presidency
Communique refuting the presidential pardon for Ato Essien
