Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu extradited from US to Ghana after MASLOC corruption conviction

The United States Embassy in Ghana has announced the extradition of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, to Ghana following her conviction on more than 70 corruption-related charges.

In a statement shared on its social media platforms on Tuesday, June 9, the Embassy described the extradition as a reflection of the strong law enforcement cooperation between Ghana and the United States, as well as both countries’ commitment to accountability and the rule of law.

According to the Embassy, Attionu was convicted of offences involving the embezzlement of more than US$6 million equivalent in Ghanaian taxpayer funds during her tenure at MASLOC.

“Officials of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Prisons Service have taken her into custody and are making the necessary preparations for her to begin her sentence,” the Embassy stated.

Her return to Ghana follows a prolonged extradition process that began after she failed to return to the country following a medical trip to the United States.

In 2024, an Accra High Court convicted Attionu in absentia and sentenced her to 10 years’ imprisonment after finding her guilty of multiple offences, including causing financial loss to the state and stealing.

The court ruled that her actions while serving as MASLOC Chief Executive between 2013 and 2016 resulted in a financial loss of nearly GH¢90 million to the state.

Following the conviction, Ghanaian authorities formally initiated extradition proceedings in 2025 to secure her return. The request was later reviewed by a U.S. District Court in Nevada, which certified the extradition after examining the legal documentation submitted by the Government of Ghana.

The approval cleared the way for Attionu’s transfer back to Ghana to serve her prison sentence and comply with the court’s judgment.

Meanwhile, the Attorney-General is expected to hold bilateral discussions with officials of the United States Department of Justice on pending extradition requests involving both countries. The talks are expected to address procedural challenges and strengthen cooperation on mutual legal assistance and extradition matters.

The extradition marks a significant development in Ghana’s efforts to pursue accountability in high-profile corruption cases and recover public confidence in state institutions.