The Head of Mission for the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, Dr. John Apea, has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to grant bail to former Capital Bank CEO, William Ato Essien.
He described the decision as a necessary step toward justice and access to healthcare.
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Apea said he was relieved that Mr. Essien had met his GH¢10 million bail conditions with two sureties.
“I’m happy for him because I wanted him to come out, access good medical care, and be able to fight his case properly,” he said.
Mr. Essien was sentenced to 15 years in prison in October 2023 after failing to fulfil a restitution agreement to repay GH¢90 million in Bank of Ghana liquidity support funds misappropriated during his time at Capital Bank.
His recent bail, granted by the Court of Appeal, comes as he seeks to overturn the conviction.
Dr. Apea further stated that many ordinary Ghanaians had silently campaigned for the bail and added that everyone is entitled to a fair trial.
“There’s no concrete evidence supporting what he is accused of. It doesn’t add up. This is a great opportunity for him to prove his innocence,” he noted.
He also announced plans to launch a legal aid portal in September aimed at helping prisoners with strong cases access pro bono legal support.
“If you have a compelling case and evidence, we’ll have lawyers handle it for you for free,” he said.
The initiative, he explained, is a direct response to injustices faced by inmates like Ato Essien and is intended to promote equal access to justice for all.
Source: Farida Seidu | Adomonline
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