A United States District Court in Nevada has certified the extradition of former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Christine Tamakloe-Attionu, to Ghana to serve a 10-year prison sentence.
The court held that it has jurisdiction over both the case and the accused, and affirmed that the extradition treaty between the United States and Ghana remains valid and enforceable.
It also confirmed that the individual presented before the court is the same person sought by Ghanaian authorities, noting that all supporting documents submitted by Ghana were properly certified.
The court further determined that there is probable cause to believe Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu committed the offences cited in the extradition request.
In its ruling, the court certified her extradition and ordered that she be remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service, pending a final decision by the U.S. Secretary of State on her surrender.
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted in Ghana in April 2024 and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour on multiple charges, including causing financial loss to the state, stealing, conspiracy, money laundering, and breaches of procurement laws.
Court records show she left Ghana before the conclusion of her trial after being granted permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Her extradition marks a significant step in efforts by Ghanaian authorities to enforce the court’s judgment and ensure she serves her sentence.
The case continues to attract public attention as part of broader efforts to recover state funds lost through alleged financial misconduct at MASLOC.
Background
In April 2024, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after being found guilty on 78 counts, including causing financial loss to the state, stealing, conspiracy to steal, money laundering, and breaches of the Public Procurement Act.
Her co-accused, former MASLOC Chief Operating Officer Daniel Axim, was also sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
The offences occurred between 2013 and 2016 and involved the misappropriation of funds intended for MASLOC operations.
The trial, which began in 2019, featured testimony from six prosecution witnesses.
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was tried in absentia after absconding while on medical leave abroad.
Daniel Axim testified in court but did not call any witnesses.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that GH¢500,000 was withdrawn as a loan to Obaatampa Savings and Loans Company.
Although the amount was later refunded after disagreements over a proposed 24 percent interest rate, it was not reflected in MASLOC’s accounts.
The court also found that more than GH¢1.7 million allocated for a sensitisation exercise was misappropriated.
While MASLOC was expected to pay GH¢20 each to 85,300 beneficiaries, only GH¢1,300 was used for the intended purpose.
In addition, only GH¢579,800 out of GH¢1.4 million earmarked for victims of the Kantamanso inferno was disbursed, with the remaining funds unlawfully appropriated.
The case also involved inflated procurement costs for vehicles and Samsung mobile phones, with evidence indicating that the amounts paid exceeded prevailing market prices despite bulk purchases.
