Ato Essien, the former CEO of the collapsed Capital Bank, has been granted more time to pay back his restitution money as part of a plea bargain with the state.
The court was supposed to hear an application from the Attorney General on whether Ato Essien should be imprisoned for failing to pay GH¢20 million by April 28, 2023.
However, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, the presiding judge, decided to postpone the case after reviewing the convict’s affidavit in opposition.
The judge said that Ato Essien has shown how he intends to sell some assets to raise over $300,000 to clear the debt.
The state did not object to the judge’s decision but pointed out that the amount pledged is not enough to cover the remaining balance of GH¢55 million.
The case was adjourned to June 4 with the agreement of both parties and the judge advised Ato Essien to follow through with his affidavit if he values his liberty.
