Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a distinguished member of the Court of Appeal, recently voiced deep concerns about the behavior of educated elites, suggesting they pose a more significant threat to society than armed robbers wielding AK47 guns.
In her remarks before delivering custodial sentences to Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu, former Chief Executive Officer of Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), and Daniel Axim, interdicted Head of Operations, Justice Asare-Botwe expressed dismay over the prevailing state of affairs. Despite her extensive experience, she noted never encountering an armed robber who made off with sums as substantial as those embezzled by educated individuals in positions of power.
“People often talk about violent crime and its wickedness. But if an armed robber enters your room, they’ll only take what’s available,” Justice Asare-Botwe remarked. “In all my years, I’ve never heard of an armed robber stealing one million or even GHc500,000 from someone’s premises.”
Expanding on her concerns, the Court of Appeal judge emphasized the significant harm caused by educated individuals engaging in fraudulent activities. She underscored that an educated thief is capable of wreaking far more havoc than someone armed with an AK47, highlighting the insidious nature of white-collar crime.
Furthermore, Justice Asare-Botwe highlighted her worries regarding the rampant inflation of prices by public officers during procurement processes. This practice results in substantial financial losses to the state and its citizens. She pleaded for those in positions of power to show mercy, recognizing the detrimental impact of corruption on the public purse.
The convictions of Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu and Daniel Axim represent a pivotal moment in the fight against corruption within public institutions. The duo was found guilty on all 78 counts, including conspiracy to steal, causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, and contravention of the Public Procurement Act.
Consequently, Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu was sentenced to 10 years in custody, while Daniel Axim received a five-year custodial sentence, both involving hard labor. These sentences underscore the gravity of their offenses and serve as a stern warning to others considering engaging in similar acts of corruption.
Justice Asare-Botwe’s impassioned remarks serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of corruption and the pressing need for concerted efforts to combat it at all levels of society. White-collar crime remains a significant obstacle to Ghana’s development and progress, necessitating a renewed commitment to accountability, integrity, and justice. Her words echo as a call to action for all stakeholders to uphold transparency and honesty in their endeavors, thereby fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.
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