A-G Directs DPP to Challenge Sedina Tamakloe Attionu Acquittal at Supreme Court

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to appeal the Court of Appeal’s decision acquitting and discharging former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive, Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.

Announcing the decision during the Government Accountability Series, Dr. Ayine said the Court of Appeal had unanimously overturned the High Court’s judgment, which convicted Ms. Attionu in absentia after she travelled to the United States for medical treatment and failed to return to continue her trial.

The Attorney-General clarified that the appeal before the Court of Appeal was filed by his predecessor in May 2024. He explained that after assuming office, he reviewed the case and instructed the DPP to oppose the appeal because the government believed the High Court’s judgment was legally sound.

Dr. Ayine disclosed that he has now directed the DPP to file a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court and seek a stay of execution of the Court of Appeal’s ruling.

He explained that if the stay is granted, the legal status quo would remain in force until the Supreme Court hears the appeal and delivers its final judgment.

“I believe that the judgment of the High Court had merit,” Dr. Ayine stated, adding that he had only received a copy of the Court of Appeal’s judgment and was yet to study it thoroughly before settling on the specific grounds of appeal.

The Attorney-General also maintained that the United States District Court had sufficient legal basis to determine that Ms. Attionu was a proper subject for extradition to Ghana, reinforcing the government’s position that the case should be reviewed by the country’s highest court.

He said the government’s decision to appeal reflects its commitment to ensuring that the legal issues raised in the case receive a final determination by the Supreme Court.