Sedinam Tamakloe-Attionu, a former chief executive officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), has been handed a 10-year prison sentence with hard labour for causing financial loss while Daniel Axim, a former Chief Operating Officer of MASLOC received a five-year sentence with hard labour. Both were found guilty on 78 counts, including causing financial loss to the state, theft, conspiracy to steal, money laundering, and violating public procurement laws.
The trial, which commenced in 2019, saw the state call six witnesses. Tamakloe, the first accused, was tried in absentia after absconding following court permission to seek medical treatment abroad. Axim, the second accused, testified in person but did not call any witnesses.
The charges stem from the misappropriation of funds intended for MASLOC activities between 2013 and 2016. One instance involved a withdrawal of GH¢500,000 as a loan for Obaatampa Savings and Loans company, which was demanded back when the financial institution refused a 24% interest rate. Although evidence of repayment was found, it was not reflected in MASLOC’s accounts.
The duo was also convicted of misusing over 1.7 million Ghana cedis meant for a sensitization program. Despite allocations for 85,300 beneficiaries, only a fraction was disbursed as intended, with the rest allegedly misappropriated. Similarly, funds earmarked for victims of a Kantamanso fire were not fully distributed.
The case also involved overpayments for vehicle and Samsung phone purchases, with the amounts exceeding market prices at the time despite being bought in bulk.
Also while in charge of MASLOC, Mrs Tamakloe Attionu and her accomplice allegedly made unauthorised commitments resulting in financial obligations for the government to the tune of GHC61,735,832.50.
The further charges against the two include a loss of GHC22,158,118.85 to public property and improper payment of GHC273,743.66, as well as money laundering of GHC3,704,380, all while in charge of MASLOC.
Source: Newsalertgh