US Court Approves Extradition of Ex-MASLOC Boss Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu
Court rules extradition request is valid and confirms sufficient probable cause in Ghana’s case
- A US District Court in Nevada has approved the extradition of former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu to Ghana
- The court confirmed there is sufficient probable cause and that Ghana’s extradition request is valid under existing treaty arrangements.
- She was previously convicted in Ghana in 2024 and sentenced to 10 years in prison but fled abroad during her trial
A United States District Court in Nevada has approved the extradition of former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Christine Tamakloe-Attionu, to Ghana to serve her 10-year jail term.
The court ruled that it has full jurisdiction over the extradition process and confirmed that the existing extradition treaty between the United States and Ghana remains valid and enforceable.
It further established that the individual presented in court is indeed the same person being sought by Ghanaian authorities, adding that all supporting documents submitted by Ghana were properly certified.
The court also found sufficient probable cause that she committed the offences for which her extradition is being requested.
As part of its decision, the court certified her extradition and ordered that she remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service, pending a final decision by the U.S. Secretary of State on her transfer to Ghana.
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted in Ghana in April 2024 and handed a 10-year sentence with hard labour after being found guilty on multiple charges, including causing financial loss to the state, stealing, conspiracy, money laundering, and procurement breaches.
Court records show she absconded during her trial after being granted permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Her extradition is seen as a major step in efforts by Ghanaian authorities to enforce the judgment and ensure her return to serve her sentence.
Background:
In April 2024, she was convicted on 78 counts, including causing financial loss to the state, conspiracy to steal, money laundering, and violations of the Public Procurement Act. Her co-accused, former MASLOC COO Daniel Axim, was also sentenced to five years in prison.
The prosecution covered alleged offences committed between 2013 and 2016, involving the mismanagement of MASLOC funds. The trial, which began in 2019, featured six prosecution witnesses.
Among the key findings were questionable financial transactions, including a GH¢500,000 loan to Obaatampa Savings and Loans, alleged misapplication of over GH¢1.7 million meant for sensitisation exercises, and partial disbursement of funds meant for Kantamanso fire victims.
The court also uncovered inflated procurement costs involving vehicles and mobile phones purchased above market prices.
