Ato Essien Bail: Why One Man Walks While Others Wait for Justice
Bail granted, but questions remain
William Ato Essien, the former CEO and founder of defunct Capital Bank, has been granted GH¢10 million bail by Ghana’s Court of Appeal. This development allows him temporary freedom while he appeals his conviction.
The court’s three-member panel ruled that Essien must provide two sureties. He is also required to deposit his passport with the court registry and report monthly to the Registrar.
Essien was jailed in 2023 for embezzling more than GH¢90 million from Capital Bank. His initial sentence followed his failure to complete a repayment agreement with the state after a GH¢30 million deposit and GH¢9 million top-up.
Now, with his appeal underway, he has been granted bail.
Former Attorney-General flips the script
In a surprising twist, former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame — the very man who secured Essien’s conviction — is now calling for his release.
Dame argues that the “resetting” of prosecutions under the current Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, makes Essien’s incarceration unjust. He posted a sharp critique on Facebook, asking, “Why should one man go to jail while others walk free under vague promises of future repayments?”
His comment appears to reference the state’s decision to drop charges against former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and others involved in the UniBank collapse. Critics see that move as politically motivated and indicative of selective justice.
Dame’s call has reignited public debate over fairness in Ghana’s legal system.
The inconsistencies of high-profile prosecutions
While some applaud the court’s decision to offer Essien a second chance, others remain uneasy. They argue that the shifting stance of the Attorney-General’s office creates the perception that justice bends to politics and influence.
Notable voices — including Commonwealth Mission head John Apea and former President John Mahama’s supporters — have called for broader scrutiny. Former Auditor-General Martin Amidu also blasted the government’s selective withdrawal of cases, calling it “cronyism laced with corruption.”
At the heart of the issue lies a simple question: Why are some offenders being prosecuted while others walk away?
The big picture
Ato Essien’s bail might only be temporary, but the legal questions it raises will linger. This isn’t just about one man’s freedom — it’s about a justice system facing growing doubt from its own people.
When the law begins to wobble under political pressure, public trust collapses faster than any bank.
Take this to heart:
Justice must not depend on who holds the reins of power. Ghana deserves a legal system that enforces accountability — not one that rewrites history based on who’s in office.
