President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to grant amnesty to 998 prisoners has sparked widespread public interest, with many Ghanaians speculating about high-profile names that could have been included in the list.
The move reflects the constitutional mandate of President Mahama to exercise the prerogative of mercy in deserving cases. Out of 1,014 prisoners recommended for amnesty, 998 were approved.
Two widely discussed figures – Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, and William Ato Essien, founder of the defunct Capital Bank – were not part of those freed.
On the list of the beneficiaries are 33 seriously ill prisoners, 36 inmates aged over 70 years, 87 on the death row, and two nursing mothers.
However, two other prisoners who have specifically petitioned the President to be granted a pardon were not named in the press release that announced the amnesty.
Background to the Amnesty
Presidential pardons, often granted, are intended to decongest prisons, promote rehabilitation, and give non-violent offenders a second chance at reintegration. Mahama’s latest amnesty covered 998 inmates across various prison facilities in Ghana.
The selection was reportedly based on recommendations from the Prisons Service Council and the Ministry of the Interior, in consultation with the Council of State, and in line with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution, following strict criteria such as good conduct, health conditions, and the severity of crimes committed.
Although none of the beneficiaries was named, the description given in the Felix Kwakye Ofosu-signed press statement didn’t fit either of the two individuals who had petitioned the President for mercy.
Agradaa and Ato Essien not included
Speculation grew as to whether some controversial names would benefit from the clemency. Nana Agradaa is currently facing multiple charges related to money-doubling scams and defrauding by false pretense, while Ato Essien is serving a prison term after failing to fully pay back funds linked to the collapse of Capital Bank.
In the case of William Ato Essien, the Court of Appeal granted GH₵10 million bail, pending the determination of his appeal.
The three-member panel ordered Essien to justify two sureties, deposit his passport at the Court’s registry, and report monthly to the Registrar.
On the part on Nana Adradaa, she had been found guilty of using her television station and social media to promote a false promise of supernatural financial blessings to unsuspecting churchgoers during a 2022 all-night service.
She was sentenced to 15 years in prison for fraud.
According to the prosecution, Agradaa used her influential media presence and religious platform to lure her victims, promising them supernatural financial returns. Many of the complainants testified that they gave her between GH¢1,000 and GH¢10,000, only to be left empty-handed after the supposed rituals.
The court found her guilty on multiple counts of defrauding by false pretense, describing her conduct as calculated, exploitative, and damaging to public trust in religious institutions.
As the President grants amnesty to 998 prisoners, Nana Agradaa and Ato Essien are not part, Graphiconline reported.
