Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, presiding over the Court of Appeal, has voiced profound concerns regarding the conduct of educated elites, suggesting that their actions present a more significant threat to society than armed robbers brandishing AK47 guns.
Before delivering custodial sentences to Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu, former Chief Executive Officer of Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), and Daniel Axim, interdicted Head of Operations, Justice Asare-Botwe expressed her dismay over the current state of affairs. She noted that throughout her extensive legal career, she had never encountered an armed robber who made off with sums as substantial as those embezzled by educated individuals in positions of authority.
“In discussions about violent crime, there’s often a focus on its severity. But when an armed robber enters a room, they typically take what’s readily available,” remarked Justice Asare-Botwe. “Throughout my years in the legal field, I’ve never heard of an armed robber seizing one million or even GHc500,000 from someone’s premises.”
Continuing her passionate discourse, the judge emphasized the significant harm caused by educated individuals engaging in fraudulent activities. “When you’re dealing with an educated thief, their capabilities for wreaking havoc far surpass those of someone wielding an AK47,” she asserted, highlighting the insidious nature of white-collar crime.
Justice Asare-Botwe further expressed her concerns about the rampant inflation of prices by public officials during procurement processes, resulting in substantial financial losses to the state and its citizens. “When purchases are made at significantly inflated prices, effectively doubling or tripling the actual cost, those in positions of power must consider the impact on us,” she pleaded, drawing attention to the corrosive effects of corruption on public funds.
The convictions of Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu and Daniel Axim signify a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against corruption and financial misconduct within public institutions. Both individuals were found guilty on all 78 counts, including conspiracy to steal, theft, causing financial loss to the state, improper disbursement of public funds, money laundering, and violation of the Public Procurement Act.
In light of their actions, Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu received a 10-year custodial sentence, while Daniel Axim was sentenced to five years, all to be served through hard labor. The severity of these sentences reflects the gravity of their offenses and serves as a stern deterrent to others contemplating similar acts of corruption.
Justice Asare-Botwe’s impassioned remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of corruption and the pressing need for collective efforts to combat it across all sectors of society. White-collar crime remains a significant impediment to Ghana’s development and progress, and her words echo a call to uphold accountability, integrity, and justice.
