Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu not under house arrest, government insists

Ghana's Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has rejected claims that former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) chief executive Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu is serving her prison sentence under house arrest.

Speaking on Joy FM on Wednesday, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said Ms Tamakloe-Attionu remained in the custody of the Ghana Prison Service following her return to Ghana earlier this month.

"She is in the custody of the Ghana Prison Service," he said. "I can assure you, and let me put it on record, she is not in any house. She is not under any house arrest."

His comments follow allegations by IMANI Africa President Franklin Cudjoe, who suggested that a senior government official had indicated that the convicted former MASLOC boss was not being held in prison custody.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu dismissed the claim and challenged Mr Cudjoe to identify the alleged official.

"If Franklin Cudjoe tells you that, he is not telling you the truth. Let him name the so-called top government official who told him that," he said.

The minister also declined to comment on reports regarding Ms Tamakloe-Attionu's health, saying such matters fall under the responsibility of the Ghana Prison Service.

"I don't have information on her medical condition. It is not my place to discuss it," he said.

According to Mr Kwakye Ofosu, decisions regarding the welfare, management and placement of inmates are made by prison authorities, who would communicate publicly when necessary.

Ms Tamakloe-Attionu returned to Ghana from the United States after an extradition process initiated by the Ghanaian authorities. Government officials have said she was taken into custody by the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Prisons Service upon her arrival on 9 June.

In 2024, an Accra High Court sentenced her to 10 years' imprisonment with hard labour after finding her guilty of causing financial loss to the state.

She had been granted permission by the court in 2021 to travel to the United States for medical treatment while her trial was ongoing. However, she did not return to continue participating in the proceedings, leading the court to continue the trial in her absence.

The case centred on the alleged misapplication of millions of Ghana cedis earmarked for small businesses through MASLOC, a government agency established to provide microfinance support.

Ms Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted on several charges, including causing financial loss to the state, stealing and money laundering. Businessman Daniel Axim was also convicted in connection with the case.

The former MASLOC chief executive was ultimately convicted in absentia after failing to appear before the court during proceedings relating to financial irregularities during her tenure at the organisation.