‘He’s in extremely bad shape’

Ato Essien [L] and President John Mahama

Renowned Ghanaian satirist and television personality Kwaku Sintim-Misa, popularly known as KSM, has made a passionate appeal to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to grant clemency to embattled businessman William Ato Essien, founder of the defunct Capital Bank.

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 banker 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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