Uncategorized
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.
Ghanaian forward Antione Semenyo has been on target for Manchester City in their 2-2 draw over Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.
The game kicked off at the Tottenham Stadium on Sunday as both teams shared the points.
Midfielder Rayan Cherki found the net in just 11 minutes of the game before Semenyo delivered from Silver’s pass, doubling the lead for the visitors.
Spurs came back dominating the second half, resulting in Dominic Solanke’s goal in the 53rd minute, giving the host hope for a possible comeback.
Solanke completed his brace for Conor Gallagher assist, giving the host the equaliser and secured a point after the game.
Semenyo has been an outstanding signing in January for the Manchester side, scoring four goals and an assist in five appearances.
The 26-year-old forward who joined City from AFC Bournemouth is expected to continue his form to be able to make Black Stars squad for the upcoming International break and the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, USA and Canada.
Uncategorized
Ghana Premier League: Sherif Mohammed late goal earns Vision FC a point against Dreams FC
Vision FC forward Mohammed Sherif Iddrisu’s late goal has earned his side a point against Dreams FC after 2-2 draw in the Ghana Premier League.
Forward John Antwi hit brace scoring in the 24th and 35th minute, giving the visitors the lead in the first half at the Nii Adjei Kraku stadium in Tema Newtown.
Midfielder Nana Kwesi Amoah pulled one back for the host in the 45th minute, ending the first half with hope for a comeback.
The Still Believe lads started a good second half, holding the ball more at the host side but failed to find the back of the net.
The Ewoo Kɛkɛ lads got late equaliser and secured a point against Dreams FC through Mohammed Sherif Iddrisu, who came off the bench to score.
The draw has moved Dreams FC to 9th position with 26 points after 21 games in the Ghana Premier League campaign.
Vision FC found themselves 13th with 24 points in the league standings.
Dreams FC will be hosting Karela United in their next league fixture while Vision faces struggling Eleven Wonders at the University of Ghana Stadium.
Uncategorized
Ghana Premier League: Nations FC Razak Simpson’s brace ends Medeama SC unbeaten Streak
Nations FC Razak Simpson has been on target twice, ending Medeama SC 17 games unbeaten Streak after 2-1 victory in the Ghana Premier League competition.
The Eagles pick all points after a successful comeback on Friday afternoon at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese.
Kingsley Braye hits the net in the 8th minute, giving the visitors early lead.
Defender Simpson set in with a set piece header, founding the back of the net with the equaliser in the 20th minute, starting the comeback process.
He doubled the lead from a spot kick, giving the host a comfortable lead in the 43rd minutes, earning them all the three points.
In the second department of the game, both teams created decent chances but failed to hit the net.
The Mauve and Yellows came close to a goal in the 80th minute but Prince Owusu failed to convert the ball to the net.
Despite the defeat, Medeama SC still remains League leader with 43 points after 21 games in the ongoing Ghana Premier League campaign.
The Victory moves Nations FC to 8th position with 27 points on the league log.
The Kumasi based side will travel to Hohoe in their next league fixture whiles Medeama SC host Aduana FC at the T&A Stadium in Tarkwa.
Ghana Pursues Stronger Economic Stability with $20bn Reserve Target – Mahama
Meadeama Coach Ibrahim Tanko confident to beat FC Samatex in the FA Cup Showdown
President Mahama Showcases Ghanaian Smock on Global Stage, Boosts Local Fashion Industry
-
Culture1 week ago
“We Entertain Stupidity in This Country” — GHOne’s Lilly Mohammed Slams Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa Over IShowSpeed Passport Saga
-
Politics6 days agoProphet Bernard El Bernard Apologises for Failed Prophecy on NPP Primaries
-
Entertainment3 days agoRenowned Gospel Music Icon Ron Kenoly Passes On at 81
-
Culture2 weeks agoKwame Nkrumah Memorial Park Earns GH¢10m from Tourism in 2025
-
Politics1 week agoNPP Issues Strict Voting Guidelines Ahead of January 31 Presidential Primary
-
Business1 week agoBank of Ghana Cuts Gold Holdings by Half to Boost Reserves and Liquidity
-
Sports1 week agoCoach Otoo Addo meets Midfielder Thomas Partey in London
-
General News1 week agoMahama Commissions 263 Officer Cadets, Reaffirms Commitment to National Security and Welfare of Armed Forces