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Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has disclosed that former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, remains in prison custody despite the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge her.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Tuesday, August 4, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said Ms Tamakloe-Attionu has remained in lawful custody since her return to Ghana.
He dismissed claims that she was not kept in prison following her arrival in the country, describing such reports as false.
According to him, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was never released after the Court of Appeal overturned her conviction, adding that she is still in custody pending further legal processes.
His comments come after Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie granted permission for the Court of Appeal to sit during the legal vacation to hear the Attorney-General’s application for a stay of execution of the acquittal judgment. The application is expected to be heard on August 16.
Meanwhile, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced plans to embark on a protest on Thursday, August 6, over the Court of Appeal’s ruling. The party maintains that the decision was wrong and has accused the government of targeting opposition figures while protecting its allies.
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu’s 10-year prison sentence for causing financial loss to the state was overturned by the Court of Appeal after the court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The case involved allegations that she diverted a GH¢500,000 loan facility meant for Obaatanpa Microfinance after the company rejected the facility due to concerns over the interest rate.
Following the ruling, the Attorney-General filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking a stay of execution of the judgment, arguing that there was a risk Ms Tamakloe-Attionu could leave the country before the final determination of the appeal.
Story by Efua Nessa