President Akufo-Addo has granted a presidential pardon to Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman, who served as the former deputy National Security Coordinator (NCA) under the John Mahama administration.

The decision was made following a petition from the Paramount Chief of Kpembi Traditional Area, Kpembewura Haruna Dari Bismark Banbange Ndefoso I, requesting the release of Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman on grounds of ill-health and good behavior.

The President's directive to the Interior Minister is to ensure the immediate implementation of the presidential pardon.

The letter, signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, states that the decision was taken in consultation with the Council of State.

“I am directed by the President of the Republic to inform you that pursuant to a petition dated 19 July 2021, from the Paramount Chief of Kpembi Traditional Area, Kpembewura Haruna Dari Bismark Banbange Ndefoso I, for presidential pardon and release of Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman on grounds of ill-health and good behaviour.

“…In consultation with the Council of State, the President has exercised the prerogative of mercy in favour of Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman, and has granted him a pardon, in accordance with Article 72(1) (a) of the Constitution. Kindly take the necessary steps to give effect to the presidential pardon immediately,” the letter said.

The former deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman, was sentenced to a five-year jail term in 2020 for willfully causing financial loss to the state, which was part of the National Communications Authority (NCA) scandal.

The pardon granted by the President is in accordance with Article 72(1)(a) of the Constitution.