Court of Appeal Acquits Former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, Sparking Legal Battle and NPP Protests

On July 30, 2026, the Court of Appeal unanimously overturned the conviction and 10-year prison sentence of Sedina Christine Tamakloe-Attionu, the former CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC). This landmark ruling comes just weeks after her high-profile extradition from the United States on June 9, 2026. Tamakloe-Attionu had originally been convicted in absentia in April 2024 on 78 counts, including stealing GH"90 million and causing financial loss to the state during her tenure from 2013 to 2017. However, the appellate court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, criticizing the initial trial for improperly shifting the burden of proof onto the defense and violating the constitutional presumption of innocence.

The decision has ignited a fierce legal and political debate across the country. Former Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah Yeboah described the judgment as "legally weak," arguing that the original charge sheet was valid and sufficient evidence existed for the conviction to stand. Conversely, private legal practitioner Nana Yaw Osei urged the public to read the full 94-page judgment before criticizing, noting that the ruling reinforces fundamental due process protections. Former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame also weighed in, denying claims that his office was served an appeal notice in 2024 and suggesting the timing of the acquittal raises questions about judicial impartiality under the current administration of President John Mahama.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has reacted with outrage, labeling the acquittal a "travesty of justice" and evidence of a "politicized justice system." NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye accused the current Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, of orchestrating the release of NDC-affiliated officials. In response, the NPP has announced a nationwide protest set to begin in Accra on August 6, 2026. The party alleges that the acquittal is part of a broader effort by the government to shield its members from corruption charges, a claim the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) denies, citing the independence of the judiciary.

Despite the acquittal, the legal battle continues as Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine has formally filed an appeal with the Supreme Court. While Dr. Ayine acknowledges a personal friendship with Tamakloe-Attionu, he emphasized that the state's appeal is rooted in the principle of accountability and professional legal advice. The government also sought a stay of execution to prevent Tamakloe-Attionu from potentially leaving the country before the final verdict, but the Court of Appeal recently adjourned that application indefinitely. As the case moves to the nation's highest court, it remains a focal point for discussions on the balance between judicial independence, due process, and the fight against corruption in Ghana.