The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has cautioned communicators of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against defending the extradition of former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.
According to him, the party was founded on the principles of probity and accountability, and therefore individuals who violate the law must be allowed to face the full rigours of justice. He stressed that political affiliation should not be used as a shield against accountability.
He further noted that the Accra High Court gave Sedina Tamakloe Attionu ample opportunity to appear and defend herself, but she failed to do so, resulting in her being tried and convicted in absentia.
His comments follow a decision by a United States District Court approving her extradition to Ghana to serve a 10-year prison sentence for causing financial loss to the state. The ruling came after a formal request by the Government of Ghana seeking her return.
Court documents indicated that the U.S. court found sufficient legal grounds under the extradition treaty between Ghana and the United States, noting that the offences for which she was convicted also constitute crimes under U.S. law.
Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, who has been residing in the United States, is expected to be handed over to Ghanaian authorities after the necessary administrative processes are completed.
Speaking in an interview on Adom TV’s Badwam programme, Lawyer Bediako said the development should serve as a lesson to public officials and political actors to act responsibly in the discharge of their duties.
He also cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against protesting when similar legal actions are taken against their former appointees, insisting that the law must be applied fairly and consistently.
He added that the situation should prompt Ken Ofori-Atta to reconsider his decision not to return to Ghana to account for his stewardship.
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