Ghana's Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has confirmed the government's decision to appeal the Court of Appeal's acquittal of Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC). This action, announced on Thursday, July 30, is rooted in the pursuit of national accountability and public interest, according to Dr. Ayine.
The Attorney-General's Office has directed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to immediately file an appeal with the Supreme Court. This appeal challenges the Court of Appeal's unanimous decision to overturn Ms. Tamakloe Attionu's conviction on 78 counts. These charges included conspiracy to steal, stealing, causing financial loss to the State, money laundering, and breaches of the Public Procurement Act.
This case highlights Ghana's ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability in public office, a critical component of economic governance. High-profile cases involving alleged financial malfeasance often draw significant public attention and can impact investor confidence. The government's stance underscores a commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting state resources, which is vital for maintaining fiscal discipline and economic stability.
Dr. Ayine, speaking at the Government Accountability Series, emphasized that his decision was based on professional judgment. He stated, "It is not about personalities, it is about this country and I will take the appeal on to the Supreme Court." He acknowledged his personal friendship with Ms. Tamakloe Attionu but stressed that this relationship does not influence his official responsibilities.
The appeal process will now move to the Supreme Court, where the State will seek to reverse the Court of Appeal's ruling. The Attorney-General's Office has also requested an application for a stay of execution of the judgment, pending the final determination of the appeal. This legal maneuver aims to prevent the immediate implementation of the acquittal while the higher court reviews the case.
The Court of Appeal had earlier on Thursday, July 30, unanimously acquitted and discharged Ms. Tamakloe Attionu. This appellate panel, comprising Justice Emmanuel Ankamah, Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe, and Justice Samuel Obeng-Diawuo, ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt. This decision overturned a High Court conviction from April 16, 2024, which had sentenced Ms. Tamakloe Attionu in absentia to 10 years' imprisonment with hard labour.
Dr. Ayine clarified that his decision to appeal was made before he had fully studied the Court of Appeal's written judgment. He explained that the appeal was based on the legal principles underpinning the initial prosecution. He also noted that the case was inherited from a previous administration, but successive governments have a responsibility to continue legal proceedings when evidence and public interest justify it.
The outcome of this Supreme Court appeal will be closely watched by legal experts, anti-corruption advocates, and the general public. It will set a precedent for how high-level corruption cases are handled within Ghana's judicial system. The final ruling could influence public perception of government accountability and the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions. This case reinforces the importance of robust legal frameworks in safeguarding public funds and ensuring transparent governance, which are crucial for Ghana's economic development.