The Court of Appeal has overturned the conviction and 10-year prison sentence imposed on former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu, ruling that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
In a unanimous 94-page judgment delivered on Thursday, July 30, a three-member panel comprising Justices Emmanuel Ankamah, Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe, and Samuel Obeng-Diawuo held that the prosecution’s case was marred by significant legal and evidential shortcomings.
The appellate court found that the High Court had improperly shifted the burden of proof onto the accused and relied on evidence that did not meet the legal standard required to secure a criminal conviction.
As a result, the Court of Appeal set aside all convictions against Tamakloe, acquitted and discharged her on all charges, and nullified the 10-year custodial sentence handed down by the High Court.
The court also dismissed a preliminary objection by the Attorney-General, who argued that Tamakloe, having absconded during her trial, was not entitled to invoke the appellate court’s jurisdiction.
Below is the judgment:
