A United States District Court in Nevada has approved the extradition of former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Christine Tamakloe-Attionu, to Ghana to serve a 10-year prison sentence handed down in 2024.
According to proceedings monitored by ShineMeGh.com, the court determined that it has the authority to handle the extradition case and confirmed that the existing treaty between the United States and Ghana remains valid.
The court established that the individual before it is the same person Ghanaian authorities are seeking and ruled that all supporting documents submitted by Ghana were properly authenticated.
It further concluded that there is sufficient evidence to support the charges against her, satisfying the requirement of probable cause.
Following these findings, the court ordered that Ms Tamakloe-Attionu be placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service while awaiting a final decision from the U.S. Secretary of State on her transfer to Ghana.
Ms Tamakloe-Attionu, a former head of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), was convicted in April 2024 and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
She was found guilty on multiple counts, including causing financial loss to the state, stealing, conspiracy, money laundering, and violations of procurement laws.
Her co-accused, Daniel Axim, who served as MASLOC Chief Operating Officer, was also sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
The offences relate to activities between 2013 and 2016 involving the misuse of funds intended for MASLOC programmes. Prosecutors presented evidence that included:
A GH¢500,000 loan transaction with Obaatampa Savings and Loans Company that was not properly accounted for after repayment, misapplication of over GH¢1.7 million meant for a public sensitisation programme, partial disbursement of funds allocated to victims of the Kantamanso market fire, with a significant portion unaccounted for, inflated procurement costs for vehicles and Samsung mobile phones purchased above market value.
The trial, which began in 2019, featured testimony from six prosecution witnesses.
Ms Tamakloe-Attionu was tried in absentia after leaving Ghana under the pretext of seeking medical treatment and failing to return.
Her extradition is seen as a major step in efforts by Ghanaian authorities to enforce the court’s ruling and ensure she serves her sentence.
The case has drawn significant public interest, as it forms part of broader anti-corruption efforts to recover state funds and promote accountability in public office.
Authorities say the outcome of the extradition process will further reinforce Ghana’s commitment to pursuing justice beyond its borders.
Story by: Philip Kendriz Elikem
