BY GRACE ZIGAH
A coalition of 1,152 female market traders and National Democratic Congress (NDC) organisers in the Greater Accra Region has petitioned the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, demanding the release of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu.
The petition, dated August 3, 2026, comes against the backdrop of a growing legal and political controversy over Tamakloe-Attionu’s continued detention at the Nsawam Medium Security Female Prison, despite the Court of Appeal having acquitted and discharged her and overturned the 10-year sentence previously imposed by the High Court.
The women’s group argues that keeping Tamakloe in custody while the state pursues an appeal amounts to continuing to punish her for a conviction that has already been overturned by an appellate court.
The latest development adds another layer to a case that has become one of the most politically charged corruption proceedings in Ghana. Tamakloe-Attionu, who headed MASLOC during the 2013–2016 period, was prosecuted over alleged financial and procurement irregularities and was eventually convicted in absentia by the High Court and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The conviction, however, did not mark the end of the legal battle. On July 30, 2026, the Court of Appeal unanimously overturned the High Court’s judgment, acquitting and discharging the former MASLOC boss. The Attorney-General subsequently filed a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court and applied for a stay of execution of the appellate judgment.
It is the state’s attempt to secure that stay which has kept the former MASLOC official in custody.
In their petition, the 1,152 women questioned the legal basis for continuing detention of Tamakloe after the Court of Appeal had acquitted her.
They argued that the state is entitled to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision before the Supreme Court but questioned why the former MASLOC CEO should remain imprisoned for potentially years while the appeal is being determined.
The petitioners warned that a successful application for a stay could mean Tamakloe remains at Nsawam Prison throughout the Supreme Court proceedings, which could take one, two or even three years.
They therefore appealed to Dr Ayine to reconsider the state’s position and allow Tamakloe to enjoy the benefit of the appellate court’s acquittal while the legal process continues.
The group also rejected suggestions that their intervention constituted political pressure on the Judiciary.
They pointed to Tamakloe’s 2024 conviction as evidence of their claimed respect for the judicial process, arguing that the NDC did not interfere when the former MASLOC boss was convicted.
“When Madam Sedina was convicted in 2024, was there pressure from the NDC? No!” the petition stated, according to reports. The women argued that their position should therefore not be interpreted as an attempt to influence the courts.
Why the state is resisting her release
The government, however, has expressed concern that Tamakloe could leave Ghana if released before the Supreme Court determines the state’s appeal.
That concern formed part of the Attorney-General’s application for a stay of execution filed shortly after the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged her. The state argued that immediate execution of the acquittal could create circumstances in which Tamakloe leaves the jurisdiction, potentially frustrating the Supreme Court proceedings.
Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has also confirmed that Tamakloe remains in prison custody despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on August 4, the Minister said Tamakloe had remained in prison custody since her return to Ghana and rejected earlier suggestions that she had been kept outside the formal custody of the Ghana Prisons Service.
He further denied allegations that the Mahama administration had influenced the Court of Appeal’s decision, insisting that the government had no role in the judicial process.
The legal battle enters another phase
The stay application has itself encountered delays.
A Court of Appeal panel comprising Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah, Justice Dr Ernest Owusu-Dapaa and Justice Ayitey Armah-Tetteh recently heard arguments from the state and Tamakloe’s legal team but adjourned indefinitely after the judges were unable to conclude their conference on the application.
The Chief Justice subsequently granted permission for the Court of Appeal to sit during the legal vacation to deal with the matter, with the stay application scheduled for consideration on August 16, 2026.
The outcome of that application could determine whether Tamakloe remains in custody while the state pursues its Supreme Court challenge.
A case with a long history
The controversy surrounding Tamakloe dates back several years to investigations into her administration of MASLOC.
She faced allegations relating to the handling and disbursement of public funds, procurement transactions and other financial dealings during her tenure. The case subsequently became one of the most prominent prosecutions arising from alleged financial irregularities involving a former public official.
Her failure to return to Ghana after travelling abroad for medical treatment became another major issue in the proceedings. The High Court eventually proceeded with the case in absentia, culminating in her conviction and 10-year sentence in 2024.
After years outside the country, Tamakloe returned to Ghana in June 2026 following extradition proceedings in the United States and was taken into custody to begin serving her sentence.
The subsequent Court of Appeal decision dramatically changed the legal position, replacing the earlier conviction with an acquittal and discharge.
Political battle follows the courtroom
The case has also become a major political battleground between the NDC and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The NPP has strongly criticised the acquittal, describing it as evidence of what it calls a politicised justice system. Government representatives have rejected those allegations and insisted that the Judiciary operates independently.
The government has also made clear that the acquittal will be challenged before the Supreme Court, meaning that the Court of Appeal’s decision may not represent the final chapter in the Tamakloe case.
