- Yesterday, the High Court in Accra sentenced Daniel Axim, the former operations manager of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), to five years in prison and Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, the former boss of the organization, to ten years in prison for causing financial loss of GH¢ 90 million to the state.
- This came about following the conviction of the two on 78 counts of stealing, conspiring to steal, causing loss to public property in violation of public procurement law, and causing financial loss to the state by the court presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Court of Appeal judge sitting with additional responsibilities as a High Court Judge.
- The presiding judge emphasized the need of public workers acting firmly in their day-to-day work under political appointees before imposing the penalty, saying, “Fortunately for us, we don’t have a political leaning; even if you’re dismissed wrongly you can sue.”
- She urged parents to instill honesty and education in their kids as well. The amount of money at stake in this instance is excessive, and having an educated robber wreaks considerably more damage than someone with an AK-47.
- She said, “Those of you who hold public office, please have mercy on the rest of us.” As a result, the presiding judge ordered the state to file for forfeiture against Attionu.
- Attionu, who was tried absentee, received a 10-year jail term on the crime of theft, while Mr. Axim, who was wearing a blue kaftan, received a five-year sentence.
- On the accusation of intentionally causing financial damage to the state, Mr. Axim received a 12-month jail term and a punishment of GH¢ 12,000, while Attionu received a three-year sentence and a fine of GH¢ 36,000. They will serve a further 12-month jail sentence if they fail to pay the fine.
- Attionu was once more sentenced to two years in prison and fined GH¢ 60,000 for the offense of causing financial harm to the state. She received six months’ imprisonment for each of the charges of causing damage to public property and unauthorized commitment that resulted in a financial obligation.
Source:
Graphic Online