Accra: The Court of Appeal has unanimously acquitted and discharged Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), overturning her previous 10-year prison sentence. The ruling, delivered by a three-member panel on July 30, 2026, concluded that the prosecution had failed to prove its case against Tamakloe-Attionu beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to Ghana Web, the appellate court found that the trial judge had improperly shifted the burden of proof onto the appellant, which contradicted the constitutional presumption of innocence. This misapplication of the burden of proof was a significant point in the court's decision, as it violated Articles 19(2)(c) and 19(10) of the 1992 Constitution.
Additionally, the Court of Appeal identified defects in the charge sheet, noting that the charges of willfully causing financial loss to the State and causing loss to public property did not specify the acts or omissions allegedly committed by Tamakloe-Attionu. This was deemed a violation of her constitutional right to be informed in detail of the nature of the offence.
The court also highlighted the insufficiency of prosecution evidence, pointing out that the prosecution relied on hearsay evidence. The regional directors, who were claimed to have first-hand knowledge of the matters, were not called to testify. Furthermore, evidence presented indicated that funds earmarked for victims of the Kantamanto fire were indeed used for their intended purpose.
In addressing a preliminary objection, the Court dismissed the respondent's argument that Tamakloe-Attionu, being labeled a fugitive, was barred from pursuing her appeal. The Court held that the objection did not comply with Rule 16 of C.I. 19, as no proper notice of preliminary objection had been filed.
Ultimately, the appellate court set aside all substantive convictions against Tamakloe-Attionu, including conspiracy to steal, stealing, willfully causing financial loss to the State, causing loss to public property, money laundering, and contravention of the Public Procurement Act.