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Former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu extradited to Ghana amid health concerns
via GhanaWeb8 min read
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre MASLOC, has been extradited from the United States to Ghana to serve a 10-year prison sentence. Concerns are mounting over her health, as she appeared visibly stressed and frail upon arrival, reportedly in a wheelchair with swollen limbs. Family sources indicate she has been battling a serious illness for several years and was undergoing continuous medical treatment in the US. Her legal team asserts that her poor health was well-documented and known to the court, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, and the prosecution, led by then Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame. They claim she did not abscond, stating the court granted her permission to travel to the US for medical treatment, and her passport was released for this purpose. Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted in absentia in 2024 on multiple charges, including causing financial loss to the state and stealing, related to her tenure as MASLOC CEO between 2013 and 2016, which allegedly resulted in a nearly GH垄90 million loss. Her lawyers have filed an appeal, arguing the conviction should be set aside due to an "incurably defective" charge sheet and insufficient proof from the prosecution. Her extradition is seen as a landmark development in international cooperation against corruption.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai revealed that bankers of former National Food Buffer Stock Company NAFCO Chief Executive Officer Hanan Aludiba notified authorities after he allegedly tried to access funds in a frozen account. Justice Srem-Sai stated that investigators were informed by the financial institution, which detected a suspicious attempt to lift account restrictions, rather than monitoring Aludiba's banking activities independently. Speaking on TV3's Hot Issues, he dismissed claims that prosecutors were "nosing around" Aludiba's financial affairs, explaining that the bank alerted them to the situation. Aludiba, reportedly aware of the court order freezing the account, allegedly attempted to persuade the bank to restore access. The bank declined the request and informed investigators, leading to further action by the prosecution. Justice Srem-Sai indicated that this incident contributed to the prosecution's assessment that Aludiba posed a greater flight risk, especially after learning of his travel plans, including luggage for a trip to the United Kingdom. He also refuted reports that a court later granted Aludiba travel permission, asserting that the initial travel timeline had expired and no new application was made or approved.
Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, has rejected assertions by Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a New Patriotic Party communications team member, that he was not questioned by Economic and Organised Crime Office investigators about alleged financial irregularities amounting to GH垄55 million involving the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation. Dr Srem-Sai stated on TV3's Hot Issues that Aboagye's claim was "completely wrong" and confirmed that the matter was part of his interrogation. He emphasized that law enforcement agencies are not obligated to publicly respond to claims made during ongoing investigations, and that evidence would be presented in court. Dr Srem-Sai also advised the public against interpreting the silence of investigative bodies as confirmation of statements from those under investigation.
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema will undertake a three-day state visit to Ghana from July 28 to July 30, at the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama. President Nguema will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including government ministers, senior officials, and members of the Gabonese business community. The visit is seen as a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations between Ghana and Gabon. The two Heads of State are scheduled to hold a private meeting, followed by official bilateral talks at the Jubilee House in Accra on July 28. Discussions will focus on reviewing current relations and exploring new areas of cooperation beyond existing political and diplomatic engagements. Key topics for discussion include trade and investment, mining, energy, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, maritime affairs, transport, tourism, education, health, defense and security cooperation, environmental protection, climate action, and people-to-people exchanges. Presidents Mahama and Nguema are expected to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting sustainable economic development for the mutual benefit of both nations.