The government has insisted that former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu remains in lawful prison custody, despite the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge her.
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said claims that Ms Tamakloe-Attionu had been released or was not held by prison authorities were false.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, August 4, he stated that she has remained in prison custody since returning to Ghana.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the day that Sedina landed in Ghana till the Court of Appeal made its pronouncements, she has always been in prison custody. So, the claims that she was home and was not kept by Prison authorities are blatantly false,” he said.
Kwakye Ofosu further disclosed that the former MASLOC boss had not been released following the appellate court’s ruling.
“I can tell you Sedina has not been released; she’s still in custody,” he added.
The clarification comes as the Attorney-General seeks a stay of execution of the Court of Appeal judgment pending the determination of the State’s appeal at the Supreme Court.
The application is scheduled to be heard on August 16, after Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie granted permission for the Court of Appeal to sit during the legal vacation.
The legal developments have intensified political debate, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) announcing plans to stage a protest on August 6, arguing that the Court of Appeal’s decision was wrong and accusing the government of selectively targeting opposition figures.
Ms Tamakloe-Attionu’s 10-year prison sentence was overturned by the Court of Appeal, which held that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case related to allegations that she unlawfully diverted a GH¢500,000 loan intended for Obaatanpa Microfinance after the institution reportedly rejected the facility because of its interest rate.
The Attorney-General has argued that a stay of execution is necessary because of concerns that Ms Tamakloe-Attionu could leave the country before the Supreme Court determines the State’s appeal.
