‘William Ato Essien is too smart for jail’ – Prophet Oduro pleads with President Mahama

Ato Essien [L] and President John Mahama

Prophet Kofi Oduro, leader and founder of Alabaster International Ministry, has fervently pleaded with President John Dramani Mahama to grant clemency to jailed businessman and founder of the now-defunct Capital Bank, William Ato Essien.

The outspoken clergyman believes that Ato Essien, whom he describes as ‘too intelligent’ and highly intellectual, should not be held in prison

According to a post shared by popular X Account, Edhub, Prophet Oduro called for Ato Essien to be added to the list of persons to be pardoned by the President this year.

“Ato Essien is too intelligent for prison, and right now he’s facing a health challenge. Please, could he be added to those to be pardoned this year?” – Prophet Oduro is quoted as saying.

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— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) July 6, 2025

The man of God has joined the growing list of prominent individuals calling on President Mahama to show mercy to Ato Essien.

Recently, renowned Ghanaian satirist and television personality Kwaku Sintim-Misa, popularly known as KSM, made a passionate appeal to President John Mahama to grant clemency to Ato Essien.

Speaking during his programme The KSM Show, the experienced broadcaster expressed grave concern over the current health condition of Mr Essien, who is currently serving a custodial sentence.

According to KSM, the former bank owner suffered a serious accident while in prison, resulting in a severe spinal injury that has confined him to a wheelchair.

“Mr President, I beg you. Please, this man in my view has been wronged. He is languishing in jail. If you should go and visit Ato Essien right now, the man is in a wheelchair,” KSM said. “He had an accident while in jail, and I think he sustained a very severe spinal injury. So right now, the man is in extremely bad shape. He is in a wheelchair because he has a spinal problem… so many things.”

The veteran entertainer emphasized that his appeal was not based on personal friendship or sentiment, but rather on what he described as the “inhumane” nature of Mr. Essien’s current condition behind bars.

“I am using this platform to appeal to His Excellency. Please, you have the power of clemency. I am begging the President. I can use this platform for all Ghanaians to add their voices and plead that Ato Essien does not belong there,” KSM stated.

William Ato Essien, an entrepreneur and founder of First Capital Plus, which later evolved into Capital Bank, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by an Accra High Court on October 23, 2023, after being found guilty of stealing over GH¢90 million in liquidity support provided by the Bank of Ghana to Capital Bank.

He was initially given the opportunity to avoid a custodial sentence by agreeing to repay the GH¢90 million as restitution to the state. However, he failed to meet the payment terms agreed upon with the Attorney General and the court.

Essien paid GH¢30 million upfront in December 2022 but was unable to pay the remaining GH¢60 million in the agreed installments. His failure to fulfill the terms led the court to impose the custodial sentence.

KA

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