Former President John Mahama has signed a “political contract” with embattled businessman Ato Essien, a popular Ghanaian lawyer has said.
Lawyer Maurice Ampaw has hinted that Ato Essien would’ve been given a presidential pardon by now if M. Mahama was still in power.
Mr Essien was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour by Justice Eric Kyei Baffour.
Ato Essien’s imprisonment comes following his inability to fully pay the GH¢90m amount back to the State after agreeing to do so.
Giving a legal opinion on the matter on Wontumi TV last Sunday, lawyer Maurice Ampaw stated that in an unlikely event the former President wins the 2024 elections, he will grant Ato Essien a “presidential pardon because he has signed a political contract with him”.
Lawyer Ampaw also mentioned that renowned teacher Mensah Otabil had also promised Ato Essien some form of protection in the event things go wrong with his business but has been unable to do so.
“Mensah Otabil also promised him protection but he has been unable to do so. They wanted to manipulate the system…” lawyer Ampaw said
Ato Essien earlier paid ¢30 million upfront in December 2022 and was required to pay ¢20 million as the first installment of the ¢60 million outstanding amount by April 28, 2023.
But he was only able to pay ¢5 million. In May, he was given until July 4, to liquidate his assets and pay the state GH¢55 million. This deadline elapsed without any payments made.
The state then submitted a request to the court, seeking a custodial sentence in line with the agreed terms.