The Court of Appeal has unanimously acquitted and discharged former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, overturning her 10-year prison sentence.
In its unanimous judgment delivered on July 30, 2026, the three-member panel ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case against Tamakloe-Attionu beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court also held that the trial judge wrongly shifted the burden of proof to the appellant instead of requiring the prosecution to prove the charges.
Key Highlights of the Ruling
1. Court Says Burden of Proof Was Misapplied
The Court ruled that the trial judge repeatedly placed the burden on Tamakloe-Attionu to prove her innocence instead of requiring the prosecution to establish her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The judges said this violated Articles 19(2)(c) and 19(10) of the 1992 Constitution, which protect the presumption of innocence.
2. Court Finds Charge Sheet Defective
The Court held that the charges of willfully causing financial loss to the State and causing loss to public property did not clearly state the specific acts or omissions allegedly committed by the appellant.
According to the Court, this violated her constitutional right to be informed in detail about the charges against her.
3. Prosecution Failed to Present Sufficient Evidence
The Court found that the prosecution relied on hearsay evidence to support its claim that sensitisation programmes had not been conducted.
It noted that the regional directors, who allegedly had direct knowledge of the matter, were never called to testify.
The Court also pointed to evidence showing that funds meant for victims of the Kantamanto fire were used for their intended purpose.
4. Preliminary Objection Rejected
The Court dismissed the respondent’s argument that Tamakloe-Attionu could not pursue her appeal because she was a fugitive.
The judges ruled that the objection did not comply with Rule 16 of C.I. 19 because no proper notice of preliminary objection had been filed.
5. All Convictions Set Aside
The Court quashed all of Tamakloe-Attionu’s convictions, including conspiracy to steal, stealing, willfully causing financial loss to the State, causing loss to public property, money laundering and contravention of the Public Procurement Act.
The Court subsequently entered a verdict of acquittal and discharge.
