Former MASLOC CEO will be extradited to serve 10-year sentence – Deputy AG

The Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has announced that his office is actively pursuing the extradition of Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), following her sentencing to 10 years in prison with hard labor for causing financial loss to the state.

Alongside Tamakloe-Attionu, Daniel Axim, former Chief Operating Officer of MASLOC, has also been sentenced to five years in prison with hard labor.

The convictions stem from 78 counts related to causing financial loss to the state, theft, conspiracy to steal, money laundering, and contravening public procurement laws.

In a statement to the media following Tamakloe-Attionu's conviction, Deputy AG Tuah-Yeboah highlighted that the extradition process had commenced even before the court's sentencing.

Tuah-Yeboah emphasized the commitment of Ghana's legal system to uphold justice, stating, "What is refreshing is that she will be brought down to face justice. In Ghana, we have various laws, you can choose to stay away but so far as we have laws relating to how we can extradite you from one country to Ghana, be rest assured that she will be brought down to face justice."

He expressed satisfaction with the sentence and reassured the public of the imminent return of Tamakloe-Attionu to Ghana, affirming the Attorney General's office's determination to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.

The trial, ongoing since 2019, saw six witnesses called by the state.

Ms Tamakloe was tried in absentia after leaving the country for medical treatment, while Axim testified in person but did not present any witnesses.

The charges stem from misappropriation of funds allocated for MASLOC activities between 2013 and 2016.

One instance involved the withdrawal of GH¢500,000 as a loan for Obaatampa Savings and Loans, with demands for repayment when the institution refused a 24% interest rate.

Although evidence showed repayment, it was not reflected in MASLOC's accounts.

They were also found guilty of misappropriating over 1.7 million Ghana cedis meant for a sensitization exercise, where only a fraction reached beneficiaries.

In another case, funds meant for victims of a fire incident were not fully disbursed, with a significant portion appropriated by the accused.

Additionally, the purchase of vehicles and Samsung phones for MASLOC involved payments exceeding market prices, despite being bought in bulk.

The evidence indicated discrepancies in amounts disbursed compared to prevailing market rates.

—Classfmonline