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The Office of the President has categorically dismissed media reports suggesting that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted a presidential pardon to 11 individuals.

In a statement issued on January 6, 2025, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, clarified that these reports are false and misleading. The statement firmly stated that the President has not exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy to grant clemency to the individuals mentioned in the circulating claims.

False Claims of Pardons

The debunked reports alleged that President Akufo-Addo had pardoned:

  • William Ato Essien, convicted for his role in the collapse of Capital Bank and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after failing to pay a GHS90 million settlement.
  • Philip Akpeena Assibit, jailed for financial loss to the State in 2018.
  • Akwasi Alhassan, sentenced to life imprisonment for murder after his 1993 conviction.

These claims also named several other individuals, reportedly released due to health concerns or good conduct during incarceration.

Official Rebuttal

The Presidency’s statement emphasized:

“We wish to categorically state that these assertions are inaccurate, and no pardon has been granted by President Akufo-Addo.”

The Office of the President urged the public to disregard these reports, describing them as unfounded fabrications. It called on media outlets to verify such claims with official channels to avoid misinformation.

Prerogative of Mercy Process

The Constitution of Ghana grants the President the authority to exercise the prerogative of mercy under Article 72. However, this power is executed based on clear processes and guidelines, which, according to the statement, have not been initiated or applied in these cases.

The Office also reiterated its commitment to transparent communication, urging citizens to rely on verified information directly from the Presidency.

This clarification seeks to dispel the confusion caused by the initial reports and affirm the President’s stance on the matter.

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