The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has dismissed claims that the government influenced or bears responsibility for the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said criticism directed at the government following the appellate court’s ruling was unfounded, stressing that the judiciary acted independently in determining the case.
He noted that the government’s position had already been presented by the Attorney-General during the proceedings and urged Ghanaians to rely on facts rather than emotion when commenting on judicial decisions.
“The stance of government on this issue has been expressed by the Attorney-General in court.
One of the things we need to learn in this country is that we need to be patient in the analysis of things that come,” he said.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu maintained that there was no basis for holding the government responsible for a judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal.
“I have seen people condemning government, and there is zero basis for that.
We must avoid emotive responses when there are facts,” he stated.
He further pointed out that Tamakloe-Attionu filed her appeal nearly two years ago, adding that the same judicial system that convicted her had now overturned the conviction.
“It is the same judiciary that convicted her, so how is it now government’s fault that she has been acquitted?
She appealed her sentence two years ago.
How does government bear responsibility for a Court of Appeal ruling?
Courts don’t deal with public opinion.
Any claim that government bears responsibility on this matter is baseless,” he said.
His comments come after the Court of Appeal on Thursday acquitted and discharged the former MASLOC CEO, ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu had been standing trial on charges including causing financial loss to the state, stealing, unauthorised commitment resulting in financial obligation for the government, and money laundering
