Ato Essien files motion to amend grounds of appeal against 15-year jail term

Founder of the defunct Capital Bank, William Ato Essien, has filed a motion at the Court of Appeal seeking to amend some of his grounds aimed at challenging his 15 years incarceration.

The motion on notice to amend the grounds filed on October 5, 2026, is premised on Rule ls 7 and 38 of the Court of Appeal rules 1997 CI19 and the inherent jurisdiction of the Second Highest Court of the land.

In Court on Wednesday, October 14, the panel of three adjourned the matter indefinitely to allow the Prosecution the opportunity to be served and respond appropriately.

William Ato Essien was physically present in Court when the case was called before the Court of Appeal panel.

On July 30, 2025, the Court of Appeal granted bail to the founder of the defunct Capital Bank, William Ato Essien, in the sum of GH¢10 million with two sureties pending an appeal against his 15 years custodial sentence.

The panel said the convict applicant is to deposit his passport in the registry of the court.

Lawyers of the convict went to the Court of Appeal after the High Court had dismissed his request earlier in February 2025.

Ato Essien was sentenced to serve a 15-year term after failing to pay an outstanding balance of GH¢53 million to the State out of the GH¢90 million

Prior to his sentenced, he had paid GH¢37 million of the sum.

Per the agreement Ato Essien had with the republic after agreeing to in December 13, 2023, he was to pay GH¢60 in three installments.

On December 13, 2022, Ato Essien, Chief Executive Officer of defunct Capital Bank, shed tears as the High Court re-took his plea to make effective a plea bargain agreement.

He pleaded guilty to 16 counts of charges – Conspiracy to steal, stealing, and money laundering.

The court presided over by Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, a Court of Appeal Judge, sitting with additional responsibility as a High Court Judge then convicted him on his own plea.

The court accepted the agreement reached between Essien and the State, which binds him to refund GH¢90, but had already paid GHc30 million leaving a balance of GHc60 million to be paid in three installments.

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