President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to grant amnesty to 998 prisoners across Ghana’s correctional facilities does not include Evangelist Patricia Asiedu Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, or William Ato Essien, the former Chief Executive of the defunct Capital Bank, according to a graphiconline.com report.
The amnesty, announced on Monday, August 18, 2025, was part of constitutional provisions on presidential mercy, aimed at reducing prison congestion and addressing humanitarian concerns.
A statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu indicated that the amnesty covered, 87 first-time offenders who will be released, 87 death-row inmates, whose sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment, 51 life-sentence prisoners, who will now serve 20 years definite terms, 33 seriously ill inmates, 36 prisoners aged above 70 years, two nursing mothers and two petitioners who directly appealed to the Presidency.
Despite speculation, graphiconline.com sources confirmed that Nana Agradaa and Ato Essien were not part of those pardoned.
Confusion erupts on social media: What Mahama’s amnesty to prisoners means for Agradaa
Nana Agradaa is serving a 15-year sentence for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretences, but has spent less than six months behind bars, making her ineligible.
Ato Essien, who was sentenced in October 2023 to 15 years imprisonment for misapplying Bank of Ghana liquidity support, is currently on medical bail while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
Calls had intensified for Essien’s pardon, with supporters citing his deteriorating health and recent hospitalisation at the 37 Military Hospital.
They argued it was unjust for him to remain in jail while cases against others implicated in Ghana’s banking sector collapse had been dropped.
President Mahama grants amnesty to 998 prisoners
The Presidency explained that humanitarian considerations informed the amnesty decision.
Out of the 1,014 inmates recommended by the Prisons Service Council, 998 were approved by the President.
AM/SEA
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