State challenges Tamakloe acquittal, rushes Supreme Court appeal

Ghana's legal system faces another pivotal moment as the Attorney General has ordered an urgent Supreme Court appeal against the Court of Appeal's decision to acquit and discharge Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, the former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) chief executive. The move signals the state's determination to overturn the appellate court's ruling and pursue the high-profile corruption case further up the judicial ladder.

In a statement released on July 30, 2026, the Attorney General's office confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions has been instructed to immediately file notice of appeal to the Supreme Court, alongside an application to stay execution of the judgment pending determination of the appeal. The government has emphasised its commitment to the case, stating it remains confident the Supreme Court will reverse the Court of Appeal's decision.

What led to the acquittal

Tamakloe had been convicted in absentia by the High Court on April 16, 2024, and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment with hard labour on 78 counts. These charges included conspiracy to steal, stealing, causing financial loss to the State, money laundering, and breaches of the Public Procurement Act. However, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeal—comprising Justice Emmanuel Ankamah, Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe, and Justice Samuel Obeng-Diawuo—unanimously ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The appellate court also found that the trial judge had lost sight of the constitutional principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Tamakloe's legal team, led by lawyer Enoch Deegbe, attributed the acquittal primarily to defects in the charge sheet used to prosecute their client. Deegbe indicated the defence had advanced three main grounds for appeal—the defective charge sheet, lack of proper prima facie determination, and attacks on the judgment itself—with the court focusing heavily on the first argument.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case represents a significant moment for Ghana's anti-corruption efforts and the integrity of its judicial system. MASLOC, a state institution meant to provide financial support to small businesses, has faced scrutiny over fund management and accountability. High-profile corruption convictions are rare in Ghana, making cases like Tamakloe's closely watched by civil society, the business community, and international observers monitoring the nation's commitment to fighting financial crime.

The back-and-forth between courts raises questions about prosecutorial strategy and evidence preparation. A successful Supreme Court reversal could reinforce the state's anti-corruption agenda, whilst a sustained acquittal may prompt national conversations about the quality of evidence presented in complex financial crime prosecutions. The case also affects co-accused Daniel Axim, who was sentenced to five years' imprisonment and currently out on bail granted by the Supreme Court in January 2026. With Tamakloe now acquitted and the state appealing, Axim's own appeal status and broader case implications remain uncertain.

The government's willingness to pursue further appeals demonstrates resource commitment to major cases, though it also highlights the lengthy timescales such matters consume within Ghana's judicial system. For Ghanaians concerned with institutional accountability and the rule of law, the eventual Supreme Court decision will serve as a barometer of how effectively the state can prosecute complex corruption allegations.