Crime and Investigation
Court of Appeal Grants GHS10 Million Bail to Ato Essien Amid Health Concerns
The Court of Appeal has granted William Ato Essien, founder of the now-defunct Capital Bank, bail set at GHS10 million pending the outcome of his appeal against a 15-year prison sentence.
The bail decision, delivered on Wednesday, July 30, includes conditions such as the submission of his passport to the court and monthly check-ins with the court registrar. Two sureties are also required.
Essien was sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour in October 2023 by an Accra High Court, following his guilty plea to 16 counts of stealing, money laundering, and conspiracy to steal. The charges stemmed from his role in the collapse of Capital Bank, involving over GHS90 million in financial misconduct.
In May 2024, Essien applied for bail pending appeal, citing deteriorating health, but the request was rejected by the High Court. He then escalated the matter to the Court of Appeal.
During the latest hearing, Essien’s legal team stressed his worsening health condition and the need for urgent medical care. They also highlighted his partial fulfillment of a plea deal that required him to repay GHS90 million to the state. He had initially paid GHS30 million in December 2022, but failed to meet subsequent payment deadlines for the remaining GHS60 million.
The prosecution opposed the bail, arguing that Essien had not honored the terms of the agreement. However, the three-member panel of justices pointed out that Section 35 of the Courts Act (Act 459)—which allows for restitution in exchange for a possible non-custodial sentence—raises questions that must be examined in the appeal process.
Background:
Essien and three associates were charged for offenses that led to the collapse of Capital Bank, including theft and money laundering amounting to GHS90 million. After entering a plea bargain, Essien agreed to repay the state in structured installments: GHS20 million each by April, August, and December 2023. By April, he had only paid GHS4 million of the first tranche and a total of GHS7 million by the time of sentencing.
As a result of his failure to meet payment terms, the High Court imposed the custodial sentence.
Following the sentencing, Dr. John Apea, Head of Missions at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and a board member of the Commonwealth Human Rights Office for Africa, began advocating for clemency on humanitarian grounds. He launched a petition and pledged to present it to former President John Mahama, emphasizing Essien’s fragile health and the need for compassion in justice.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, for what they describe as offensive conduct likely to disturb public peace.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 8, the Police confirmed that Abronye was taken into custody earlier in the day and is currently being held. He is expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days.
Although the statement did not provide details of the incident that triggered his arrest, Abronye has in recent weeks drawn public attention after filing asylum applications in eight countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, Germany, and Côte d’Ivoire — citing political persecution and threats to his life.
Meanwhile, Police investigations linked to Abronye also prompted a search of the residence of former NPP Youth Organiser, Moses Abor, on Sunday. However, Mr. Abor was not found during the operation.
Crime and Investigation
Two Women Granted GH¢100,000 Bail Each Over Offensive TikTok Comments About President Mahama
Two women facing charges for making abusive remarks against former President John Dramani Mahama following the August 6 helicopter crash have been granted bail.
The Adenta Circuit Court admitted Priscilla Duah Birago, a 29-year-old National Service Person, and Charity Dede Tetteh, a 29-year-old beautician, to bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 each with two sureties, one of which must be justified with property.
Both pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime with offensive conduct, and offensive conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The prosecution alleged that during a TikTok live session, the accused stated: “We would have been happier if the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, was involved in the helicopter crash and dwarfs had eaten him up. A lot of people are dying under his tenure of office.” The remarks were later shared on Birago’s TikTok account, under the name “Abena Birago.”
Presiding judge Mrs. Angela Attache cautioned the accused to avoid further trouble, stressing the sensitive nature of the case.
A legal team led by Mr. Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa represented the accused, while Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo prosecuted. The prosecution also revealed that investigators are seeking a High Court order to access the accused persons’ mobile phones, though they did not oppose the bail request.
The matter has been adjourned to November 5, 2025, with forensic evidence of the live-stream already secured for trial.
Crime and Investigation
Chinese National and Ghanaian Arrested in Akwatia for Illegal Possession of Ammunition
Police in Akwatia have arrested two men, including a Chinese national, for allegedly possessing ammunition without authorization.
The suspects, 32-year-old Enoch Asiedu and 58-year-old Lu Youyan, were intercepted around 9 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Boadua Livingstone snap checkpoint during a routine police patrol.
According to police reports, the two were travelling in a Toyota Hilux pickup when officers conducted a search and discovered four live BB cartridges inside the vehicle. The suspects were immediately taken to the Akwatia Police Station along with the seized ammunition.
During interrogation, Asiedu claimed the cartridges belonged to their employer, identified only as Mohammed, who is said to own the pickup. Police have since launched efforts to locate Mohammed for questioning.
Both men are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Survey Projects Kennedy Agyapong as Frontrunner in NPP Presidential Primaries
NEIP and MoFA Partner to Boost Poultry Agribusiness Under Adwumawura Programme
2025/26 Ghana Premier League Kicks Off with Record GHS9.5m Prize Package – GFA President Declares Season “Unique and Historic”
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMrs. Susan Abena Preko Dankwa Resigns as Human Resources Manager of Top Media Group
-
General News2 weeks agoMahama Unveils Policy to End $15m Annual Rent for Ghana’s Missions Abroad
-
Technology2 weeks agoGCB Bank Proposes Direct Payment Framework for Ghanaian TikTok Creators
-
Politics2 weeks agoChief Justice has Lost Everything” – Yaw Anokye Frimpong Laments Pension Wipeout
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoRaf Able sets the tone for Gratitude with Artwork Release for his Forthcoming Single ‘MEDAWASE’
-
Sports2 weeks agoThomas Partey to Face Court on Rape Charges After Villarreal’s Champions League Clash With Tottenham
-
General News2 weeks agoIGP Hails Peaceful Akwatia By-Election as Model for Ghana’s Future Polls
-
Politics2 weeks agoPresidential Candidate Kofi Akpaloo Reportedly Arrested by EOCO