The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed shock and dismay over the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge Sedina Christine Tamakloe-Attionu, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), describing the ruling as a "travesty of justice."
In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP condemned the overturning of Ms. Tamakloe-Attionu’s April 2024 High Court conviction and 10-year prison sentence. The initial trial court had found her guilty of stealing, money laundering, Public Procurement Act breaches, and causing a financial loss of nearly GH¢90 million to the state during her tenure from 2013 to 2016.
However, the legal fight is far from over. The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has instructed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to file an appeal at the Supreme Court against the Court of Appeal’s decision, alongside an application for a stay of execution. The directive was confirmed in a statement shared by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
Allegations of Political Interference
Ms. Tamakloe-Attionu fled Ghana while standing trial, leading to her conviction in absentia before being extradited from the United States, arriving back in Ghana on June 9, 2026. The NPP highlighted that her acquittal came just seven weeks after her extradition.
The party alleged that the speed of the appeal and the broader conduct of the Attorney-General point to political interference, arguing that the judgment undermines years of work by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the resources spent securing her extradition.
"The decision reinforces a pattern of selective justice, undermining the trial court's detailed findings on fraudulent disbursements—including funds meant for loan beneficiaries and victims of the Kantamanto Market disaster," the NPP stated.
Party Demands and Next Steps
The NPP claimed that several criminal cases involving individuals affiliated with the governing party have been systematically withdrawn or discontinued since January 2025. In response, the party outlined a series of key demands:
Fair Treatment for Oppositions Appointees: Discontinue prosecutions involving former appointees of the previous NPP administration.
Relief for Ashanti Regional Chairman: Discharge Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), whose 20-year prison sentence with hard labour the party maintains is politically motivated and lacks sufficient evidence.
Transparency on Withdrawn Cases: Require the Attorney-General to publish full details of all cases involving governing party affiliates that have been dropped since January 2025.
Judicial Restoration: Call on the Judicial Council and judiciary leadership to take immediate measures to rebuild public trust in the justice system.
The NPP stated it would explore all legal channels to ensure accountability for public funds. Meanwhile, the case now moves to the Supreme Court, pending the outcome of the Attorney-General’s application for a stay of execution.
