The Financial and Economic Division of the High Court in Accra is set to announce the verdict in the case involving the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu, and interdicted Head of Operations, Daniel Axim.
The charges against the two individuals include willfully causing financial loss to the Republic through their actions. Daniel Axim, the 2nd Accused person, was unable to produce his witnesses in court to testify and was compelled to close his case in February of this year.
The trial, which began in 2019, has lasted for five years. The former CEO of MASLOC, Mrs. Attionu Tamakloe, and Daniel Axim had both pleaded not guilty to a combined 78 charges before the Court presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an additional High Court judge.
The charges range from conspiracy to stealing, causing financial loss to the State, causing loss to public property, improper payment of public funds, unauthorized commitment resulting in financial obligation for the Government, money laundering, and contravention of the Public Procurement Act.
MASLOC is a government agency established to provide assistance to small and medium-scale businesses with low-interest loans.
The case involves allegations of fraudulent disbursement of MASLOC funds, including investments in microfinance companies, unauthorized appropriation of funds, and irregularities in procurement processes. The investigations revealed instances where funds meant for specific purposes were allegedly misappropriated or misused.
The judgment is eagerly anticipated as it will bring closure to a case that has spanned several years and has significant implications for financial accountability and transparency within government agencies.
The outcome of this case will serve as a barometer for upholding integrity and ethical conduct within public institutions. It underscores the importance of ensuring that public funds are utilized for their intended purposes and that those entrusted with managing such funds are held accountable for their actions.
The delivery of judgment in this case will be a pivotal moment in upholding the principles of good governance and financial probity within the public sector. It sends a strong message about the consequences of breaching the trust placed in individuals holding positions of authority and responsibility.
As we await the verdict from the Financial and Economic Division of the High Court in Accra, it is a reminder of the imperative to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability in the management of public funds. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for financial management practices and governance standards within government institutions.
-source starrfm | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
