Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has called on state authorities to provide clear information regarding the whereabouts and detention arrangements of former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, following her recent extradition to Ghana.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Citi FM on Saturday, June 20, Manasseh expressed scepticism about claims that the convicted former MASLOC boss is currently in lawful custody, insisting that official communication on the matter has been inadequate.

According to him, longstanding concerns about the treatment of influential individuals convicted of crimes in Ghana have contributed to public distrust.

“Long before her return, I had heard—and many Ghanaians may have heard as well—that there is a system in this country where some influential people who are convicted and supposedly sent to prison do not actually end up serving their sentences in prison,” he stated.

He suggested that there is a widespread perception that some convicted persons are held in undisclosed locations and are occasionally moved in and out of custody, a situation he described as deeply troubling.

“It is a whole lot of mess,” he remarked.

Manasseh maintained that there is no justification for withholding information about the location of a convicted individual, arguing that authorities should openly disclose where such persons are being held.

“I do not think anything prevents this administration from telling us that this person arrived on a particular date and is being held at Nsawam Prison or at the Cantonments Police cells, where anyone can verify their presence,” he said.

He further argued that the lack of transparency only fuels public suspicion and weakens confidence in the country’s justice system.

“I do not think anything stops the government from being clear on that. Where there is no reason to conceal information and yet it is hidden, it only fuels suspicion,” he added.

The award-winning journalist stressed that he is unwilling to accept assurances about Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu’s detention without independent verification.

“As I sit here, I cannot trust that Sedina Tamakloe is in custody simply because someone tells me she is in custody. I do not trust that,” he stated.

He questioned why the authorities could not publicly indicate the exact facility where she is being held and the conditions under which she is serving her sentence.

“What prevents the government from telling us where she is, which prison or which police cells she is being kept in?” he asked.

Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted in absentia in 2024 and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of causing financial loss to the state and stealing. She was recently extradited from the United States and received by security officials upon her arrival in Ghana.

She is expected to begin serving her sentence following a protracted extradition process initiated by the Government of Ghana after she failed to return from a medical trip abroad during the trial.

This version follows a news-reporting style commonly used by major Ghanaian media outlets, with improved structure, attribution and neutrality.

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a new phase in Ghana’s partnership with the European Union (EU), urging both sides to move beyond a relationship primarily focused on aid and development assistance towards one driven by trade, investment, innovation, industrialisation and shared prosperity.

Speaking at the opening session of the Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue in Accra on Thursday, June 11, 2026, President Mahama said the longstanding relationship between Ghana and the EU had evolved into a strategic partnership founded on democratic values, mutual respect and shared interests.

The dialogue brought together key government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, his deputy James Gyakye Quayson, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, and EU ambassadors accredited to Ghana.

Partnership Built on Shared Interests

President Mahama noted that the meeting was taking place at a time of significant global transformation, stressing that partnerships anchored in trust and common interests were now more important than ever.

He described Ghana-EU relations as one of “interconnected destinies,” explaining that Ghana’s economic success creates opportunities for European businesses, while Europe’s prosperity benefits Ghana through increased trade, investment, innovation and technology transfer.

According to the President, both parties must work towards strengthening and modernising their cooperation to address emerging global challenges.

“Our objective should not be merely to maintain existing cooperation, but to elevate it to a whole new level,” he stated.

Economic Recovery Showing Positive Signs

Touching on Ghana’s economy, President Mahama said the country was demonstrating encouraging signs of recovery and resilience after emerging from one of its most difficult economic periods.

He highlighted improvements in fiscal consolidation, macroeconomic stability and private sector-led growth, noting that inflation was declining while investor confidence continued to improve.

However, he stressed that economic stability alone was not enough, insisting that the ultimate goal was to improve the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians.

The President said the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative and accelerated export development programme would play a central role in boosting productivity across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, transport, tourism and digital services.

“Our goal is simple: Ghana must produce more, export more and create more jobs for our young people. The future of our economy lies in adding value to our products and services rather than exporting raw materials,” he said.

EU Pledges Support for Industrialisation Agenda

The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s transition towards a trade and investment-led economy.

He commended the government for its economic recovery efforts, noting that Ghana had surpassed targets set under the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Credit Facility programme.

Mr Skinnebach said the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy would support and finance strategic infrastructure and industrial projects aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation.

He, however, urged government to address challenges affecting European businesses, including delays in permit approvals, land title acquisition, port operations and concerns over recently introduced e-visa fees for non-African visitors.

Security Cooperation Deepens

The Ambassador also highlighted the Security and Defence Partnership Agreement signed earlier this year between Ghana and the EU, describing it as the first such agreement between the EU and an African country.

Valued at more than €100 million, the partnership focuses on military equipment support, training and efforts to prevent the spread of violent extremism from the Sahel region into coastal West Africa.

Ghana-EU Relations at an ‘All-Time High’

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described relations between Ghana and the European Union as being at an “all-time high,” citing significant achievements over the past year.

He noted that Ghana had become the first African country to formalise a Security and Defence Partnership Agreement with the EU and the first on the continent to secure sustainable timber certification under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) process.

Mr Ablakwa said the partnership had expanded significantly beyond development cooperation to include trade, investment, governance, climate action, peace and security, and human development.

Focus on Reparatory Justice

The Foreign Affairs Minister also highlighted Ghana’s leadership role in advancing reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent.

He said Ghana’s efforts under President Mahama’s leadership contributed to the adoption of United Nations Resolution A/RES/80/250, which recognises the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans as one of the gravest crimes against humanity.

According to him, cooperation with the EU on the issue has remained constructive, with countries such as France, the Netherlands and Germany showing support for discussions on reparations and the return of cultural artefacts.

Mr Ablakwa disclosed that French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to participate virtually in a high-level conference on the next steps towards implementing the resolution, scheduled for June 17 to 19.

Government Open to Dialogue on E-Visa Fees

Responding to concerns raised by the EU regarding Ghana’s new e-visa fees, Mr Ablakwa said government was prepared to engage in discussions based on reciprocity.

He explained that visa charges are determined by Parliament under the Fees and Charges Act but indicated that the government would consider reviewing the fees should EU member states also reassess visa charges imposed on Ghanaian travellers.

The Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between Ghana and the European Union in areas of economic transformation, security, governance and sustainable development. :::

Two Ghanaian citizens, Barbara Twum and Jennifer Owusu, have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to take disciplinary action against the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, over allegations that he made sexually offensive and misogynistic remarks directed at former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie.

The petitioners are urging the President to invoke Section 6 of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025) to investigate the matter and impose appropriate sanctions, including a formal reprimand or the possible termination of the minister’s appointment.

In a petition dated June 9, 2026, and submitted through the Executive Secretary at Jubilee House, Barbara Twum and Jennifer Owusu described the alleged remarks as a serious violation of the ethical standards expected of public office holders.

“The petition concerns serious breaches of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025) by Dr. Frank Amoakohene arising from sexually offensive and misogynistic remarks published on social media,” portions of the petition stated.

Central to the complaint is an alleged Facebook post attributed to Dr. Amoakohene, which reportedly read: “Akosua Kumaa, wokon do anaa? You want to have a taste of it?”

According to the petitioners, the statement was sexually suggestive, degrading and disrespectful towards women, particularly Ms. Manu. They argued that the language amounted to sexual harassment and fell far below the standards of civility, professionalism and dignity required of a Minister of State.

The petition further contends that the alleged comment constitutes a crude and deliberate sexual reference that cannot reasonably be interpreted in any non-offensive context. It also argues that the statement creates a hostile environment for women and undermines efforts to promote gender equality and respect in public discourse.

The petitioners maintain that the alleged conduct breaches several provisions of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics, including obligations requiring public officials to treat all citizens with dignity and respect.

Beyond the ethical concerns, the petition also cites constitutional principles on equality and non-discrimination, arguing that the alleged public humiliation of a woman by a senior government official is inconsistent with Ghana’s constitutional commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women.

“The sexual degradation and public humiliation of a woman by a Minister of State is fundamentally incompatible with the constitutional guarantee of equality and respect for human dignity,” the petition asserted.

Consequently, the petitioners are requesting two key remedies from the President: a formal written reprimand to be placed on Dr. Amoakohene’s official record and consideration of his removal from office.

“Considering the gravity of the offending statement and the multiple breaches of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025) established herein, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to exercise the authority vested in you under Section 6 of the Code,” the petition stated.

As of the time of filing this report, Dr. Frank Amoakohene had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.