An Accra High Court has issued an arrest warrant for Sedina Christine Attionu Tamakloe, the convicted former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).

This decision follows an ex-parte motion filed by State Prosecutors. Assistant State Attorney Yvonne Yaache-Adomako, addressing the court on Monday, April 22, moved the motion (ex-parte) for an arrest warrant, stating that the fugitive was convicted on all 78 counts.

“I have before you a motion ex-parte for an arrest warrant to be issued for the arrest of the 2nd respondent convict (Sedina Tamakloe),” Ms.Yaache-Adomako prayed.

She further stressed that, “based on the facts and the attached exhibits we have demonstrated sufficient grounds for the issuance for the said warrant to arrest the convict.”

“We humbly pray that this court grants our application,” she added.

Subsequently, the sitting judge, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo granted the motion as prayed.

Madam Tamakloe is to serve a 10-year jail term sentence and Daniel Axim, the former Chief Operating Officer of MASLOC, a 5-year jail term.

Both individuals were found guilty on 78 counts related to causing financial loss to the state, theft, conspiracy to steal, money laundering, and contravening public procurement laws.

The convictions stem from misappropriation of funds allocated for MASLOC activities between 2013 and 2016. In one instance, the convicts withdrew GH₵500,000 as a loan from Obaatampa Savings and Loans company, demanding a refund when the institution refused to provide a 24% interest rate. Although evidence of the refund was presented, it was not reflected in MASLOC’s accounts.

The duo was also found guilty of misappropriating over GH¢1.7 million allocated for a sensitisation exercise, with only a fraction of the funds used for the intended purpose. Similarly, funds disbursed for victims of a fire incident at Kantamanso were not fully distributed, with a significant portion misappropriated by the accused.

The case also involved the purchase of vehicles and Samsung phones for MASLOC, with funds exceeding market prices at the time.

Madam Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was tried in absentia as she absconded after obtaining court permission for a medical check-up abroad. Daniel Axim testified in person but did not present any witnesses.

Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has emphasized the government's commitment to extraditing Sedina Tamakloe Attionu to Ghana to serve her 10-year prison sentence.