Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has confirmed that former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, remains in prison custody despite the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge her.
Speaking during an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Tuesday, August 4, Kwakye Ofosu dismissed reports suggesting the former MASLOC CEO had been released after returning to Ghana, insisting she has remained in lawful custody throughout the legal proceedings.
According to the Government Communications Minister, Sedina Tamakloe has been under the custody of the Ghana Prisons Service since arriving in the country and has not been released following the appellate court’s ruling.
“From the day Sedina arrived in Ghana until the Court of Appeal delivered its judgment, she has remained in prison custody. Claims that she was at home and not in prison are completely false,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
He further emphasized that the former MASLOC boss is still being held in custody pending further legal processes.
Attorney-General Seeks Stay of Execution
The development comes after Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie approved a request for the Court of Appeal to sit during the legal vacation to hear an application filed by the Attorney-General seeking a stay of execution of the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
The application is scheduled to be heard on August 16 as the State continues its legal challenge against the ruling that cleared Sedina Tamakloe of all charges.
The Attorney-General has argued that there is a possibility the former MASLOC CEO could leave Ghana before the Supreme Court hears and determines the State’s appeal, making it necessary to keep the legal process active.
NPP Announces Protest Over Court Ruling
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced plans to stage a protest on Thursday, August 6, describing the Court of Appeal’s decision as flawed. The opposition party has also accused the government of using state institutions to intimidate political opponents while allegedly protecting individuals affiliated with the ruling administration.
Background of the MASLOC Case
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was previously convicted by the High Court and sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of causing financial loss to the state.
The case involved allegations that she unlawfully redirected a GH¢500,000 loan facility originally intended for Obaatanpa Microfinance after the institution reportedly declined the loan because of the applicable interest rate.
However, the Court of Appeal overturned both the conviction and prison sentence, ruling that prosecutors failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Despite the acquittal, the Attorney-General has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court and is seeking a stay of execution while the final determination of the case is pending. The outcome of the upcoming hearing could significantly influence the next phase of the high-profile MASLOC corruption case in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com