Attorney-General To Challenge Sedina Tamakloe Acquittal At Supreme Court

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice has announced plans to appeal the Court of Appeal’s decision acquitting former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Attionu Tamakloe, of all charges brought against her.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the Attorney-General’s office said it had taken note of the Court of Appeal’s decision and had directed the Director of Public Prosecutions to immediately file a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court.

The office said it would also apply for a stay of execution of the judgment pending the determination of the appeal.

According to the statement, Ms Tamakloe had been charged with 78 counts, including conspiracy to steal, stealing, conspiracy to cause financial loss to the state, causing financial loss to the state, causing loss to public property, improper payment of public funds, unauthorised commitments resulting in financial obligations to the government, money laundering and breaches of the Public Procurement Act.

The Attorney-General said Ms Tamakloe was tried and convicted in absentia by the High Court, presided over by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe, sitting as an additional High Court judge. Following her conviction, she was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.

The statement said the Republic opposed the appeal at the Court of Appeal through written submissions, arguing that the appeal lacked merit and should be dismissed.

Despite that position, the Court of Appeal acquitted the former MASLOC Chief Executive of all the charges.

The Attorney-General said the decision would now be challenged before the Supreme Court, adding that the office remains committed to due process and is confident the appeal will succeed.