Court of Appeal erred in acquitting Sedina Tamakloe – Baffour Awuah

Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, has criticized the Court of Appeal's decision to acquit former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) CEO, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu. Awuah asserts that the appellate court incorrectly applied the law, depending too heavily on untested evidence and disregarding key trial testimony.

He claims the judgment failed to properly assess critical elements of the prosecution's case, specifically evidence concerning the alleged fund disbursement to Obaatanpa Microfinance. Awuah argues that the Court of Appeal wrongly used unsworn statements from police reports rather than the validated testimony given in court. Speaking on Channel One TV, Awuah emphasized that Sedina did not testify in court and her police statement had not undergone scrutiny.

The Manhyia South MP pointed out that there was no evidence addressing Obaatanpa's claims during cross-examination, which significantly impacts the admissibility of the evidence. The Court of Appeal recently overturned Tamakloe-Attionu's conviction and 10-year prison sentence, ruling that the prosecution did not meet the burden of proof required to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case centered on allegations that she unlawfully diverted a GH¢500,000 loan meant for Obaatanpa Microfinance after the institution rejected the application. The Attorney-General has now petitioned the Supreme Court for a stay of execution of the judgment, pending resolution of the State's appeal, expressing concern that the former MASLOC CEO might depart from the country before the appeal is decided.