We will appeal Sedina Tamakloe's acquittal, file stay of execution— Attorney-General
The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice has announced its decision to appeal the Court of Appeal's ruling acquitting and discharging former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu.
The Office said it has also filed an application for a stay of execution of the judgment pending the determination of the appeal by the Supreme Court.
The decision comes hours after the Court of Appeal overturned Ms Tamakloe-Attionu's conviction, ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
In a press release issued on Thursday, July 30, the Attorney-General's Office said it remains convinced that the appeal has merit and is confident the Supreme Court will overturn the appellate court's decision.
"Having received notice of the Court of Appeal's decision, the Attorney-General has directed the Director of Public Prosecutions to immediately file a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court, together with an application for a stay of execution of the judgment pending the determination of the appeal," the statement read in part.
Ms Tamakloe-Attionu was charged with 78 counts, including conspiracy to steal, stealing, conspiracy to cause financial loss to the state, causing financial loss to the state, causing loss to public property, improper payment of public funds, unauthorised commitments resulting in financial obligations to the government, money laundering and breaches of the Public Procurement Act.
She was convicted in absentia by the Financial Division of the High Court and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment.
The statement noted that the Republic opposed her appeal by filing written submissions arguing that the case lacked merit.
"The Attorney-General remains committed to the due process of law and is confident that the appeal before the Supreme Court will succeed," noted the statement.
Meanwhile, the appeal was based on three main grounds, including the argument that the charge sheet against Ms Tamakloe-Attionu was defective, there was no proper prima facie determination against her, and that the trial court’s judgment was flawed.