The Office of the President has dismissed reports circulating in the media suggesting that outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted presidential pardons to certain individuals.
There were mass reports that William Ato Essien, convicted for his role in the collapse of Capital Bank, had been granted a presidential pardon.
Mr Essien was convicted of stealing over GH¢90m of Bank of Ghana’s liquidity support to the now-defunct financial institution.
However, the Office of the President in a statement on Tuesday, January 6, wholly rejected the reports.
“We wish to categorically state that these assertions are inaccurate, and no pardon has been granted by President Akufo-Addo,” the statement signed by Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Office of the President,
He urged the public to disregard any contrary information and rely on official communications from the Office of the President.
Presidential pardon is rooted in the constitution, specifically Article 72, which grants the President the prerogative of mercy.
This power allows the President to grant pardons, reprieves, or substitutions of punishment for individuals convicted of offenses.
While the constitution provides the framework for presidential pardons, the concept of pardon itself has a rich history dating back to ancient times.
The president exercises this power in consultation with the Council of State. The President may grant pardons, either unconditionally or with conditions, as well as grant reprieves or substitutions of punishment.
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