The New Patriotic Party has described the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer Sedina Tamakloe Attionu as a serious setback to Ghana’s justice system. The party argued that the ruling undermines accountability and raises questions about the administration of criminal justice.
In a statement issued on July 30 and signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP alleged that the acquittal follows a carefully planned process. The party linked the development to Sedina Tamakloe Attionu’s return to Ghana from the United States on June 9 after her extradition.
According to the statement, the circumstances surrounding the case strengthened the party’s long held position that politically connected individuals receive favourable treatment. The NPP contended that the latest court decision adds to a pattern it believes has emerged since the current administration assumed office.
“What could not be achieved through the front door of a nolle prosequi, given that the accused already stood convicted, has now been achieved through the back door.”
Justin Kodua Frimpong
The opposition party further alleged that several criminal prosecutions involving individuals connected to the governing National Democratic Congress ended through withdrawals and discontinuances initiated by the Attorney-General. It argued that these decisions weaken efforts to hold public officials accountable for alleged financial crimes.
Additionally, the NPP recalled that Sedina Tamakloe Attionu stood trial for about five years before a competent court. The party noted that she was convicted in absentia on 78 counts and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after leaving Ghana during the trial.
The statement also referenced the judgement delivered by Justice Afia Serwah Asare Botwe, arguing that the trial court relied on substantial evidence before reaching its verdict. The party therefore questioned how such findings could later be overturned by the Court of Appeal.
Furthermore, the NPP drew attention to the speed with which the appeal was determined after Sedina Tamakloe Attionu’s return to Ghana. The party suggested that the timing of the proceedings would continue to attract public scrutiny.
The statement argued that public confidence in the justice system depends on consistency and fairness in the handling of criminal prosecutions. It added that judicial decisions involving public funds carry significant implications for accountability and public trust.
Against this backdrop, the NPP reaffirmed its intention to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision through every lawful means available. The party indicated that it is committed to ensuring that allegations involving the misuse of public resources receive full judicial determination.
NPP Pushes Ashanti Regional Chairman’s Discharge
The New Patriotic Party also called for the immediate acquittal and discharge of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following the Court of Appeal’s decision to free former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer Sedina Tamakloe Attionu. The party argued that fairness and consistency require similar treatment for officials of the previous administration facing criminal proceedings.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP contended that Chairman Wontumi’s conviction and 20-year prison sentence with hard labour should not stand. The party insisted that his legal team has filed more than 20 grounds of appeal before the Court of Appeal, challenging the judgement.
“If consistency and fairness remain the guiding principles, Chairman Wontumi deserves immediate acquittal and discharge while his appeal remains before the Court of Appeal.”
Justin Kodua Frimpong
Beyond the Wontumi case, the opposition party outlined additional measures it believes should restore confidence in Ghana’s justice system. The statement urged the Attorney-General to discontinue prosecutions involving appointees of the previous NPP administration if similar standards aren’t applied in other politically sensitive cases.
Furthermore, the NPP requested that the Attorney-General publicly account for every criminal case involving persons affiliated with the governing National Democratic Congress that has been withdrawn, discontinued or terminated since January 2025. The party argued that greater transparency would strengthen public trust in the administration of justice.
The statement also called on the Judicial Council and the leadership of the Judiciary to take steps aimed at reinforcing confidence in the courts. According to the party, recent developments surrounding high profile cases have intensified public debate about fairness and equal treatment before the law.
“The fight against corruption cannot become a partisan convenience. The public purse belongs to the people and accountability must apply equally to everyone.”
Justin Kodua Frimpong
Additionally, the NPP reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing every lawful avenue available to challenge the acquittal of Sedina Tamakloe Attionu. The party indicated that it would continue to seek legal remedies to ensure that cases involving alleged misuse of public funds receive full judicial scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Honourable Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, directed the Director of Public Prosecutions to file an appeal before the Supreme Court against the Court of Appeal’s decision. The directive also includes an application for a stay of execution pending the determination of the appeal.
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