Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Honourable Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has disclosed that former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, remains in prison custody despite the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge her.
Addressing claims surrounding her current status, Honourable Kwakye Ofosu revealed that Ms Tamakloe Attionu has been under lawful custody since returning to Ghana and throughout the period the appellate court considered her case. He dismissed suggestions that she has been outside prison custody before or after the court’s determination.
“For the avoidance of doubt, from the day Sedina landed in Ghana until the Court of Appeal made its pronouncement, she has always been in prison custody.”
Honourable Felix Kwakye Ofosu
According to him, claims that Ms Tamakloe Attionu was staying outside prison facilities during the period were inaccurate and did not represent the circumstances surrounding the case. The clarification follows public discussions after the appellate court overturned the earlier conviction and 10-year prison sentence imposed by the High Court.
The Court of Appeal’s decision followed an assessment of the evidence presented during the trial. The appellate court determined that the prosecution failed to establish the allegations against Ms Tamakloe Attionu beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the reversal of the High Court judgment.
Meanwhile, the legal process surrounding the matter is active as the State continues efforts to challenge the appellate court’s decision. The Attorney General has filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking a stay of execution of the judgment pending the determination of the State’s appeal.
Further developments in the case are expected after Chief Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie granted permission for the Court of Appeal to sit during the legal vacation to hear the Attorney General’s application. The matter has been scheduled for August 16, when the court is expected to consider arguments from both sides.
The application by the Attorney General is part of the State’s attempt to preserve the status quo while pursuing further legal review. The State has argued that allowing the judgment to take effect before the appeal is determined could affect the outcome of the proceedings.
The case involving Ms Tamakloe Attionu dates back to allegations linked to the management of a GH¢500,000 loan facility involving Obaatanpa Microfinance. The former MASLOC chief executive was convicted by the High Court after the court found her guilty of causing financial loss to the state and related offences.
Government Rejects Claims Of Interference In Court Decision
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Honourable Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has dismissed allegations that the government influenced the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.
Responding to claims from the Minority, Honourable Kwakye Ofosu rejected suggestions that the administration played any role in the judicial outcome. He emphasised that the matter was determined through the established legal process and involved decisions made by the courts.
The Minister of State questioned the basis of claims that the government had any connection to the ruling. He argued that such allegations failed to recognise the independence of the judiciary and the separate responsibilities of the executive and judicial arms of government.
“Did President John Dramani Mahama sit on the case in question? The claim that the government has anything to do with it defies logic.”
Honourable Felix Kwakye Ofosu
According to him, the ruling followed proceedings conducted by the Court of Appeal after the judges examined the arguments and evidence presented before them. He therefore urged critics of the judgment to direct their views towards the legal process instead of attributing the decision to political influence.
The debate follows the NPP’s reaction to the appellate court’s decision to overturn Ms Tamakloe Attionu’s conviction and 10 year prison sentence imposed by the High Court. The party has argued that the judgment was flawed and has announced plans to organise a protest over the ruling.
Addressing allegations that the National Democratic Congress encouraged Ms Tamakloe Attionu to leave Ghana before her trial, Honourable Kwakye Ofosu also rejected the claim. He disclosed that the party was not in government at the time she left the country and therefore could not have influenced the circumstances surrounding her departure.
Furthermore, the Minister of State accused critics of presenting an inaccurate account of events connected to the case. He maintained that political parties should rely on factual timelines when discussing legal matters involving individuals and institutions.
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