Head of Mission for the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, Dr. John Apea, has revealed that former Capital Bank CEO, William Ato Essien, is battling serious health complications in prison.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Apea disclosed that Mr. Essien suffered a severe back injury while in custody.
“He didn’t have an accident caused by prison officers or an attack by anyone. He went to play football with some inmates, and on their way back, he just screamed in pain, and that was it,” he said.
According to him, the injury has left Mr. Essien in constant pain.
“He’s in a brace 24 hours a day because his back is really hurting. He’s on pain medication, and even the doctors have confirmed how sick he is,” Dr. Apea added.
Beyond the physical pain, Dr. Apea said the emotional toll is also visible.
“When you see him, you realize this is someone who has been tried and tested. Emotionally, he looks like a man broken for something he is innocent of. I even spoke with some of the inmates during our visit. This man is suffering, and he needs help,” he stated.
Dr. Apea insisted that from the evidence he has reviewed, no theft occurred, contrary to what has been reported.
“There was no theft as it has been portrayed. What shocks me the most is how the third accused in the case was acquitted. It baffles me.”
He said his focus is not on the banks involved in the matter but on the plight of Mr. Essien.
Ato Essien was convicted in December 2022 for stealing over GH₵90 million from Capital Bank.
He avoided jail after the court accepted an agreement between him and the Attorney-General for him to refund the money to the state. However, he was later jailed after failing to meet the payment terms.
Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy
ALSO READ:
- What Ato Essien told me when I visited him at Nsawam…
- Dr. Apea defends Ato Essien over GH¢90 million Capital Bank funds
- Why Ato Essien wants me to apologise to his lawyers – Dr. Apea [Listen]
