Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe of the Court of Appeal has raised serious concerns about the actions of educated elites, suggesting they pose a greater threat to society than armed robbers wielding AK47 guns.
Speaking
before handing down custodial sentences to former Chief Executive Officer of
Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Christine Tamakloe
Attionu, and interdicted Head of Operations, Daniel Axim, Justice Asare-Botwe
expressed her dismay over the prevailing state of affairs. She highlighted that
despite her extensive years of practice, she had never encountered an armed
robber who absconded with sums as substantial as those pilfered by educated individuals
in positions of power.
“People
talk about violent crime and how wicked it is. But if an armed robber comes to
your room, he will only take what is available,” remarked Justice Asare-Botwe.
“In all my years, I’ve never heard about an armed robber who entered someone’s
premises and took one million or even GHc500,000.”
Continuing
her impassioned address, the Court of Appeal judge emphasized the significant
damage caused by educated individuals engaging in fraudulent activities. “When
you have an educated thief, that thief is capable of causing far more havoc
than someone with an AK47 is capable of doing,” she asserted, highlighting the
insidious nature of white-collar crime.
Justice
Asare-Botwe further underscored her concerns regarding the rampant inflation of
prices by public officers in their procurement practices, which ultimately
results in substantial financial losses to the state and its citizens. “When
you have to buy something and you overprice it to the extent of doubling or
tripling the price, those of you in power, please have mercy on us,” she
pleaded, drawing attention to the detrimental impact of corruption on the
public purse.
The
convictions of Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu and Daniel Axim mark a
significant development in the fight against corruption and financial
malfeasance within public institutions. The duo was found guilty on all 78
counts, including conspiracy to steal, stealing, causing financial loss to the
state, improper payment of public funds, money laundering, and contravention of
the Public Procurement Act.
As
a consequence of their actions, Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu was sentenced
to 10 years in custody, while Daniel Axim received a five-year custodial
sentence, all in hard labor. The severity of the sentences reflects the gravity
of their offenses and serves as a stern warning to others who may contemplate
engaging in similar acts of corruption.
Justice
Asare-Botwe’s impassioned remarks serve as a reminder of the pervasive nature
of corruption and the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat it at all
levels of society. The scourge of white-collar crime remains the biggest bane
to Ghana’s development and progress, and her words resonate as a call to action
for accountability, integrity, and justice.
Post a Comment