NPP accuses government of selective justice, warns against interference in Sedina Tamakloe’s sentence

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the government of weakening key state institutions and undermining the rule of law through what it describes as selective justice, politically motivated law enforcement actions, and administrative overreach within Ghana's legal and judicial systems.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, June 15, 2026, the opposition party expressed concerns over the handling of major corruption cases, the treatment of convicted former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attinou, and the implementation of recent legal education reforms under the Legal Education Act, 2026 (Act 1170).

The statement was signed by Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Member of Parliament and Co-Chair of the NPP's Constitutional and Legal Affairs Policy Committee.

The NPP claimed that several state security and investigative agencies have increasingly been used to target political opponents, journalists, and government critics since the beginning of 2025.

According to the party, institutions such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), National Security, and the Ghana Police Service are being deployed in a manner that raises concerns about political neutrality and due process.

The statement cited what it described as "Rambo-style arrests," dawn security operations, and restrictive bail conditions imposed on individuals perceived to be critical of the government.

"Since January 2025, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Bureau of National Investigations, National Security and the Police have increasingly been turned against political opponents, journalists and commentators," the party stated.

The NPP argued that democratic institutions must remain independent and operate without political influence in order to maintain public confidence in the justice system.

The opposition party also questioned the government's handling of several high-profile corruption and financial crime cases inherited from the previous administration.

According to the statement, prosecutions that were actively pursued under the former government have either stalled or been discontinued.

The NPP specifically referenced the UniBank prosecution, which was reportedly converted into a negotiated settlement arrangement, as well as the Saglemi Housing Project case, which the party claimed has seen little progress.

The party argued that such developments risk creating a perception that anti-corruption efforts are being selectively applied depending on political considerations.

It warned that any erosion of confidence in the prosecution of public corruption cases could undermine years of efforts aimed at strengthening accountability and transparency in public administration.

A major focus of the NPP statement was the case involving former MASLOC Chief Executive Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attinou.

The party cautioned against any attempt to overturn or weaken the sentence imposed on the former government official outside the established judicial process.

Tamakloe was convicted on April 16, 2024, on 78 counts, including stealing, conspiracy to steal, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, and procurement-related offences involving approximately GH¢90 million.

The court subsequently sentenced her to ten years' imprisonment with hard labour.

She was extradited from the United States to Ghana on June 9, 2026, following a bench warrant that had been issued after she failed to return to Ghana from a medical leave of absence.

While acknowledging that every convicted person has the constitutional right to appeal, the NPP warned against what it termed "extra-judicial intervention" that could alter the outcome of the case through political or administrative means.

"Every convicted person retains a lawful right of appeal, but we caution against any extra-judicial intervention, whether administrative, political or discretionary, to neutralise a final sentence outside the appellate process," the statement said.

The party further argued that any perceived interference in the case could set a dangerous precedent for future anti-corruption prosecutions.

"If a conviction of this magnitude can be quietly undone, the precedent for every future anti-corruption prosecution will be devastating," it added.

The NPP also criticised the implementation of the Legal Education Act, 2026 (Act 1170), particularly the introduction of a mandatory one-year Pre-Bar Course announced through transitional directives issued by the Director of the Ghana School of Law.

According to the party, the newly enacted law outlines only three stages of legal professional training: the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree programme, Law Practice Training, and the National Bar Examination.

The NPP argues that the legislation contains no provision establishing a Pre-Bar stage.

As a result, the party contends that the new requirement exceeds the legal authority granted under the Act.

"The insertion is therefore ultra vires, a policy invention amounting to amendment of the statute by administrative fiat," the statement asserted.

The opposition further claimed that the implementation directives create uncertainty regarding fees, accreditation, legal authority, and transitional arrangements for prospective law students.

The party also questioned the legitimacy of directives issued in the name of the Council for Legal Education and Training (CLET), arguing that the body has not yet been formally constituted.

According to the NPP, implementing major policy changes before the establishment of the statutory body responsible for overseeing legal education could create confusion and undermine confidence in the professional training system.

"A statutory regime that can function only outside its own terms puts thousands of students and the integrity of professional training in jeopardy," the party stated.

The NPP called on the government to uphold the independence of state institutions and ensure that legal processes are applied fairly and consistently to all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

The party urged authorities to allow the judicial process involving Sedina Tamakloe to proceed without interference and called for the suspension of the Pre-Bar programme until the Council for Legal Education and Training is formally established and supporting regulations are enacted.

It further argued that public confidence in democratic institutions depends on transparency, accountability, and respect for constitutional procedures.

"The Ghanaian people deserve assurance that hard-won convictions will not be undone by political expediency, and that the law will protect all equally," the statement concluded.

The latest intervention adds to the ongoing political debate over governance, judicial independence, and legal reforms as Ghana continues to navigate key institutional and constitutional issues.