The Head of Mission for the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council has announced plans to spearhead a formal petition for a presidential pardon for William Ato Essien, the embattled founder of the defunct Capital Bank.
Dr. John Apea’s decision, he said, was grounded in concerns over what he described as a miscarriage of justice and the worsening health conditions of Mr. Essien.
The move, he believed, aligned with the principles of justice, fairness, and human rights that formed the foundation of the Commonwealth Charter.
“This petition is not a defence of financial mismanagement, but it is a call for a more balanced and humane approach to justice, one that takes into account not only legal outcomes but also the human condition and our moral responsibility as a nation,” Dr. Apea said.
Mr Essien was convicted in connection with the collapse of Capital Bank and is currently serving a custodial sentence.
His legal team had previously negotiated a repayment agreement with the state, which had sparked debate over the appropriateness of the final judgment.
Recent reports indicated a decline in his health further intensifying public concern.
Dr. Apea indicated that preparations for the petition were already underway and that it would be submitted to the Office of the President.
He noted that he was consulting with a range of civic and legal stakeholders, including religious leaders and human rights advocates, to build national support for the effort.
“A nation must be strong enough to correct its mistakes and compassionate enough to protect its vulnerable, if we truly believe in justice, we must be willing to revisit outcomes that may not reflect our highest ideals, especially when life and dignity are at stake,” he said.
He also emphasized that Ghana, as a member of the Commonwealth, had a responsibility to uphold international human rights norms, particularly in cases involving ill health and the treatment of prisoners.
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