Arrest Warrant Issued for Former MASLOC Boss Sedina Tamakloe in Ghana

The High Court in Accra, Ghana has issued an arrest warrant for Sedina Christine Attionu Tamakloe, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC). Tamakloe, who was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in hard labor on April 15 for causing financial loss to the state, is now described as a "fugitive" convict by the court.

State prosecutors filed a motion for an arrest warrant, arguing that Tamakloe had been declared absconded by the court. She was convicted on all 78 counts, including conspiracy to steal, stealing, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. The court also sentenced former MASLOC head of operations, Daniel Axim, to 5 years in hard labor.

The prosecution accused Tamakloe and Axim of stealing GH¢3.19 million and willfully causing GH¢1.97 million financial loss to the state, as well as making unauthorized commitments resulting in GH¢61.74 million in financial obligations for the government. "Sedina Tamakloe Attionu was convicted on April 16 and sentenced to 10 years in hard labor for causing financial loss to the state," according to court records.

Why this matters: The case highlights the ongoing efforts by Ghanaian authorities to tackle corruption and hold public officials accountable for their actions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and proper management of public funds in Ghana's financial institutions.

Tamakloe's jail term is still pending as she was tried and convicted in absentia after refusing to return to Ghana when granted permission to seek medical care abroad in 2021. The state has initiated extradition procedures to bring her back to the country to serve her sentence. Deputy Attorney-General Godfred Tuah-Yeboah assured that necessary steps are being taken to ensure Tamakloe serves her jail term, emphasizing the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law in such cases of financial misconduct by public officials.

Key Takeaways

• Sedina Tamakloe, ex-MASLOC CEO, convicted of causing $400k financial loss to state.
• Tamakloe sentenced to 10 years hard labor, now a "fugitive" convict.
• Former MASLOC head Daniel Axim also convicted, sentenced to 5 years hard labor.
• Ghana authorities pursuing extradition to bring Tamakloe back to serve sentence.
• Case highlights Ghana's efforts to tackle corruption and hold officials accountable.