The Financial and Economic Court 2 of the Accra High Court delivered its verdict on April 16, sentencing Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu, the former CEO of Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), to a 10-year prison term. Additionally, Daniel Axim, the Director of Operations of the organization, received a 5-year jail sentence.
During the sentencing, the judge expressed concerns about the absence of the main architect, Accused I, who has managed to evade justice thus far. The judge noted the lack of action from the Republic to utilize international cooperation to bring Accused I to justice. Despite this, Accused 2 (A2) was held accountable for the actions of Accused I.
However, the judge emphasized the importance of certain classes of public and civil servants acting as gatekeepers to safeguard public funds. While acknowledging the seriousness of the offenses committed and the prevalence of white-collar crime, the judge stressed the need for deterrence to prevent similar crimes in the future.
The sentencing reflects the gravity of the funds lost, the calculated nature of the offenses, and the need to prevent such crimes from occurring again. The court hopes that the deterrent sentence will dissuade potential professional criminals from emulating the actions of the accused.
- Counts 1, 2,3,4, 15, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29 30, 31, 32, 33 34 and 35- on the charge of Stealing against A1 (Sedina Tamakloe).
- Counts 5, 4, 9, 11,13, 16, 20 and 2- on the charge of Conspiracy to Steal against A1 and A2;
- Counts 6,7;8,10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 23 on the Charge of conspiracy to steal and Stealing Against A1 and A2; Al is sentenced to 10 years (In hard labour). A2 is sentenced to 5 years (In hard labour). On the charges related to the offence of causing financial loss to the state and its inchoate.
- On counts 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 47, and 64:- on the charge of Wilfully Causing Financial Loss To The State Against A1.
- On counts 43, 45, 48, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 61, 62, 65 and 67-: on the charge of Conspiracy to Wilfully Cause Financial Loss to the State against A1 and A2.
- On counts 44, 46, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 63, 66 and 68 on the charge of Wilfully Causing Financial Loss to the State against Al and A2. A1 is sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of three thousand penalty units or in default an additional two years in hard labour. A2 is sentenced to a term of twelve months and a fine of one thousand penalty units or in default another 12 months.
- Counts 69,70 and 71 on Causing Loss to Public Property against Al. Al is sentenced to a custodial sentence of two years Lhl and to pay a fine of 500 penalty units or in default 12 months imprisonment.
- Counts 72 and 73 on Improper Payment of Public Funds against A1. A1 is sentenced to a custodial sentence of six months on both counts.
- Count 74- Unauthorised Commitment Resulting in Financial Obligation for the Government against A1. A1is sentenced to a custodial sentence of six months.
- Counts 75 and 78 on the charge of Money Laundering against A1.
- Counts 76 and 77 on the charge of Money Laundering against A1 and A2. A1 to three years IHL and two thousand penalty units or in default another two years. A2 to two years lHL and five hundred penalty units or in default 12 months.
- Counts 79 and 80 on Contravention of the Public Procurement Act against A1: A1 is sentenced to two years and a fine of one thousand penalty units or in default another twelve months imprisonment.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
The Prosecution is directed to undertake forfeiture proceedings against the assets of the Al in particular who received substantially all the money lost to the State.
