The Member of Parliament for the Akwatia Constituency, Hon. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has described the extradition of former MASLOC CEO Madam Sedinam Tamakloe from the United States to Ghana to face justice as a positive step forward for the country.
According to him, the development clearly demonstrates President John Dramani Mahama’s unwavering commitment to the fight against corruption and corruption-related offenses.
Madam Tamakloe was convicted in absentia after failing to return to the country, prompting the government to initiate extradition proceedings so she could serve her prison sentence.
Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Hon. Baidoo noted that standard procedures must be followed upon her return.
He stated that, as a female convict, she would need to undergo a medical examination to verify she is not pregnant before being sent to prison to begin her 10-year term.
However, the MP was quick to add that while the state has successfully executed its part, the convicted former MASLOC Boss still retains her legal rights to challenge or appeal the judgment.
“At the end of the day, let me state this. As a lawyer, President Mahama and the state have successfully had her extradited but the woman also has the right under the law to defend herself especially when she was tried in absentia. The court did not err in convicting her because she was given the opportunity to defend herself but travelled abroad to seek medical care upon permission from the court.
So this case must be placed in proper perspective. She was granted bail by the court and later she asked permission to seek medical care and went away without returning.”
The MP argued that there is insufficient evidence to definitively claim she “ran away” as alleged by some critics.
He explained that the legal principle of ‘audi alteram partem’ (listen to the other side) ensures that anyone standing trial has the right to be heard before a final conviction.
He told host Kwabena Agyapong that if this had been a civil matter, the convict’s lawyers would have already approached the court to set the judgment aside due to her absence during the trial.
Mr. Baidoo stressed that it is entirely within her rights to file an appeal. He disclosed that her legal team had already taken action, having filed an appeal of over 70 pages as of February 2026. Ultimately, he noted, the success of that appeal rests entirely with the court.
Meanwhile, the Akwatia lawmaker strongly assured Ghanaians that President John Dramani Mahama will not grant Madam Tamakloe a presidential pardon, dismissing critics who claim otherwise.
“Let me emphasise that let no one panic, let’s not be pessimistic. President Mahama will not pardon her. He will not do it. President Mahama who is able to prosecute his own appointees will not pardon her. And so these naysayers should stop their needless political agenda.”
He concluded by urging political detractors to cease their “needless political agenda,” reiterating that the President has no intention of granting a pardon and that the former MASLOC Boss will serve her full term.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
