An Accra High Court has handed down significant sentences to two former top officials of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), marking the culmination of a long trial process. Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, the former chief executive officer, has been sentenced to 10 years in jail with hard labor. Meanwhile, Daniel Axim, who served as the chief operating officer, has received a five-year sentence with hard labor.

Guilty Verdict on Multiple Charges

The court found Attionu and Axim guilty on a total of 78 counts, which include causing financial loss to the state, stealing, conspiracy to steal, money laundering, and causing loss to public property. These charges stem from their time at MASLOC, where they held significant positions of authority.

Lengthy Legal Proceedings

The legal saga began in 2019 when Attionu and Axim were first put on trial. However, it wasn’t until February 24, 2023, that the court granted an application by the prosecution to continue the trial in Attionu’s absence. She had been allowed to travel to the United States in 2021 for medical treatment but failed to return.

Allegations of Misconduct

The charges against Attionu and Axim are severe, totaling GHC93 million in alleged financial misconduct. Among the accusations are conspiracy to steal, stealing, unauthorised commitment resulting in financial obligations for the government, improper payment, money laundering, and contravention of the Public Procurement Act.

Specific Allegations

During their tenure at MASLOC, Attionu and Axim are said to have misappropriated a total of GHC3,198,280 and caused a deliberate financial loss of GHC1,973,780 to the state. Additionally, they allegedly made unauthorized commitments resulting in financial obligations amounting to GHC61,735,832.50 for the government.

Further Charges and Mismanagement

The duo also faces allegations of causing a loss of GHC22,158,118.85 to public property, improper payments totaling GHC273,743.66, and money laundering amounting to GHC3,704,380. These actions, if proven, would highlight a significant breach of trust and misuse of public funds during their tenure at MASLOC.

The sentencing of Sedina Tamakloe Attionu and Daniel Axim serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in public office. Their actions, as alleged by the court, have had serious consequences for the state and underscore the need for robust oversight measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future