Prophet Kofi Oduro, General Overseer of Alabaster International Ministries, On Sunday, July 6, 2025 called on President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to add William Ato Essien the founder of Capital Bank to his presidential pardon list. Prophet Oduro emphasized that Essien is “too intelligent for prison” and described him as a visionary whose talents are being wasted behind bars.
He highlighted that Essien is currently dealing with health challenges and argued that clemency on humanitarian grounds is imperative. “That young man knows how to make money. He knows how to build businesses. He knows how to build even a nation,” the cleric implored the President.
Other reports suggest that earlier this week, Dr. John Apea, head of mission at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, submitted a formal petition grounded in concerns over Essien’s declining health, alleged miscarriage of justice, and the need for a more compassionate legal system which aligns with Prophet Kofi Oduro’s outcry. The petition argues that Essien initially attempted to repay the GH¢90 million debt but was unable to complete the restitution agreement, leading to his custodial sentence.
But the pardon movement has ignited fierce backlash. Critics warn that releasing Essien could signal leniency toward financial misconduct and weaken accountability in Ghana’s banking sector. Prominent voices on social media and other platforms have labeled Prophet Oduro’s intervention hypocritical and inappropriate for a religious leader to champion.
Essien was sentenced in October 2023 to 15 years with hard labour for misappropriating GH¢90 million in liquidity support from the Bank of Ghana.
He had entered a restitution agreement, paying GH¢30 million upfront, but failed to complete payment. Reports now suggest he is facing serious health issues and is wheelchair-bound.
Dr. Apea and Prophet Oduro, entertainer KSM, has also publicly appealed for Essien’s pardon
Critics fear the pardon may undermine prosecutorial achievements and accountability in the financial sector.
Reports has it that the petition from Dr. Apea has already been formally submitted to the Office of the President, accompanied by a broader coalition of civic, legal, and religious leaders. To date, President Mahama has not issued an official response.
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