NPP announces nationwide protest over ex-MASLOC chief's acquittal

Ghana's main opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced plans for nationwide protests on August 6, saying it wants to defend democracy, the constitution and the rule of law.

The party said the demonstrations would begin in the capital, Accra, before extending to other regions, and would involve political parties, civil society organisations, professional bodies, youth groups and student movements.

The announcement comes a day after the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) chief executive Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, acquitting and discharging her after ruling that prosecutors had failed to prove the charges against her beyond reasonable doubt.

The Attorney-General has since appealed against the decision and applied for a stay of execution to prevent her release while the case proceeds.

Addressing a news conference, the NPP's National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, known as Nana B, criticised the Attorney-General's handling of the appeal, alleging that the state had failed to robustly defend the case.

"The time for silence is over," he said. "On 6 August, in collaboration with other political parties, CSOs, professional bodies, youth movements, student movements and all well-meaning citizens, we shall embark on a massive demonstration to defend our democracy."

He said the protest was intended to defend Ghana's democratic institutions, the constitution and the rule of law.

The acquittal of Ms Tamakloe has become the latest flashpoint in Ghana's political debate over the government's anti-corruption agenda.

Ms Tamakloe was convicted by the High Court in 2024 and sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty on multiple corruption-related offences linked to her tenure as MASLOC chief executive.

She had faced 78 charges, including stealing, conspiracy to steal, causing financial loss to the state, improper payment of public funds and money laundering.

The prosecution alleged that she misappropriated public funds through several MASLOC programmes, including the diversion of a GH¢500,000 loan intended for a microfinance institution.

However, the Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday that the prosecution had failed to establish the essential elements of the offences beyond reasonable doubt, leading to her acquittal.

The Attorney-General's appeal means the legal battle over the case is expected to continue.