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.
Crime and Investigation
Police Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Two Victims in Nsawam Operation
Police Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Two Victims in Nsawam Operation
The Nsawam District Police Command has arrested five individuals in connection with the kidnapping of two men travelling from Accra to Anyinam, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation. The victims were rescued safely and are in stable condition.
Police reports indicate that on January 10, 2026, the Command received credible intelligence that the two men had been abducted and moved to an undisclosed location. The suspects allegedly demanded a ransom of GH¢400,000 from the victims’ family and later instructed them to make an initial payment of GH¢5,000.
Acting on the information, officers from the Nsawam District Police, with support from the Suhum Police Command, mounted an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects at a drinking spot near the Suhum Roundabout.
The suspects have been identified as Suleman Salifu, 24; Godfred Owusu, 26; Antwi Bismark, 27; Anas Salis, 38; and Gyamfi Isaac, 33. The victims, Seidu Sambiane, 28, and Ibrahim Alhassan, 42, were rescued during the operation without harm.
A search of an unregistered Acura 4×4 vehicle allegedly used by the suspects resulted in the recovery of several items, including forged GH¢100 and GH¢200 notes, specimen papers cut to the size of currency notes, and an amount of GH¢4,600 in cash. Police also retrieved a pistol, a cutlass, talismans and amulets, as well as five mobile phones.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations as police prepare to take further legal action.
Crime and Investigation
Police Arrest 120 Suspects in Major Crackdown on Drug Dealers and Criminal Gangs in East Legon
A major police operation aimed at curbing illicit drug activities and criminal gangs in the East Legon area has resulted in the arrest of 120 suspects, including six women.
After the arrests, all suspects were taken to the East Legon Police Station, where screening is ongoing to identify individuals linked to specific criminal activities and those suspected of dealing in illegal drugs.
According to a police report, the operation was led by ACP Saviour Ahiamadi and supported by several senior officers from Police Headquarters. These included DSP Malaika-Jibril Alhassan, DSP Richard Beriko, ASP Afram, ASP Sarpong, and ASP Imoro from the Accra Region.
The exercise was a joint effort involving officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate, the Criminal Investigations Department, the National Operations Directorate, as well as the Accra and East Legon Regional Commands. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the police to enhance security and maintain law and order in the area.
Crime and Investigation
Three Suspected Robbers Killed in Christmas Eve Gun Battle with Police in Ashanti Region
Three suspected armed robbers were shot dead during a gun battle with police on Christmas Eve in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu Junction in the Ashanti Region.
The suspects were part of a five-member gang that reportedly opened fire on police officers after encountering them during an intelligence-led operation. Two other members of the gang escaped and are currently on the run.
The injured suspects were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital following the exchange of gunfire but were pronounced dead on arrival. They have been identified as Seidu Issah, 29; Musah Yakubu, 35; and Yahaya Munkaila, also known as Tijani, 25. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for preservation and autopsy.
A police situational report (SITREP), sighted by Graphic Online, said investigations are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and recover additional weapons. The report noted that the deceased suspects and their accomplices were wanted in connection with several robberies and killings in Manso, Jacobu, and the Anwiankwanta area.
According to the SITREP, on December 24, 2025, police received intelligence that the gang had assembled in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu Junction and were planning to launch an attack along the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi road.
Acting on the information, police carried out an operation using four service vehicles to raid the area. Upon arrival, officers spotted about five young men armed with guns. The suspects allegedly opened fire and attempted to flee through the bush, prompting police to return fire. Three suspects were shot, while the remaining two escaped, reportedly with gunshot wounds.
A search of the area led to the recovery of two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds of ammunition each, one unbranded pistol, and a sack containing 25 live cartridges and six spent cartridges.
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