Former Tamale Central Member of Parliament and lawyer Inusah Fuseini has criticised the prosecution’s handling of the criminal case against former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, saying the process appeared focused on securing a conviction rather than delivering justice.
His comments follow the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn Ms Tamakloe-Attionu’s conviction and 10-year prison sentence, resulting in her acquittal and discharge.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Fuseini argued that prosecutors failed to properly assess evidence that could have supported Ms Tamakloe-Attionu’s defence, despite being aware of such information.
He cited the issue of funds allocated to victims of the Kantamanto Market fire disaster, saying investigations and an audit had established that the payments were made.
“What is really disturbing in this case is that in two instances there were exculpatory evidence for Sedina,” Fuseini said.
He explained that an investigative report had confirmed the funds were paid out, while an audit conducted by Baffour Awuah and Co had cleared the transaction involving Ms Tamakloe-Attionu’s administration at MASLOC.
Fuseini further stated that Ms Tamakloe-Attionu’s successor at MASLOC had testified in court that the matter was no longer being pursued.
“The successor of Sedina gave evidence in court and said that they were no longer pursuing the Kantamanto Market Fire case,” he said.
He questioned why the prosecution proceeded with charges despite the evidence presented, arguing that the issue raised concerns about the approach taken by the state.
“The prosecution in the Sedina case at the High Court appeared to be more interested in conviction rather than justice,” he stated.
Fuseini also challenged Ms Tamakloe-Attionu’s conviction relating to the procurement of vehicles, arguing that the contract was renegotiated by her successor after she had left office and should not have formed the basis for criminal liability against her.
On the issue of ex gratia payments, he said evidence from a prosecution witness showed that payments made to Ms Tamakloe-Attionu and her deputy had been approved by the Finance Director based on their conditions of service.
The Court of Appeal, in overturning the conviction, held that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to Ms Tamakloe-Attionu’s acquittal and discharge.
