Presidency Denies Reports of Presidential Pardon for 11 Convicts
The office of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has denied reports circulating about a purported presidential pardon granted to 11 individuals currently serving prison sentences.
The reports, which gained traction on various media platforms, suggested that President Akufo-Addo had exercised his prerogative of mercy under Article 72 (1) of the Constitution.
According to the viral claims, the pardon was issued just days before the end of the president’s tenure, following a thorough review of the prisoners’ cases based on factors such as health, length of imprisonment, and other mitigating circumstances.
Prominent names allegedly on the list included William Ato Essien, former CEO of the defunct Capital Bank, and Philip Assibit, who was convicted in connection with the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) scandal.
However, in a swift response, the Jubilee House Communications Directorate categorically denied the claims. A statement issued from the presidency emphasized that no such pardon had been granted.
It described the reports as false and urged the public to disregard the circulating document.
The presidency reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, stressing that any decision on matters such as presidential pardons would be duly communicated through official channels.
Read Statement Below: