The United States has extradited Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), to Ghana to serve a 10-year prison sentence. She arrived in Accra on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, aboard United Airlines flight UA 996 from Dallas International Airport.
Key Facts
The Charges
Attionu was convicted on 70+ corruption-related charges (specifically 72 charges) including:
- 25 counts of stealing
- 20 counts of willfully causing financial loss to the state
- 4 counts of money laundering
- Conspiracy, stealing, and causing financial loss to the state
The court found she embezzled more than $6 million (equivalent in Ghanaian taxpayer funds) and caused the state a loss of almost GH¢90 million during her tenure as MASLOC CEO between 2013 and 2016.
How She Avoided Trial Initially
In 2021, Attionu was granted permission by the High Court to travel to the United States for medical treatment. She failed to return to Ghana after receiving this permission, leading to her trial proceeding without her presence (in absentia).
The Extradition Process
- 2025: Ghana’s government formally initiated extradition proceedings
- April 2026: A U.S. District Court in Nevada, presided by Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts, certified Ghana’s extradition request after finding sufficient legal grounds and probable cause
- June 9, 2026: She was extradited and arrived in Accra
Significance of This Extradition
The U.S. Embassy in Ghana stated this marks the first extradition from the United States to Ghana since 2009, demonstrating the strong U.S.-Ghana law enforcement partnership and shared commitment to accountability.
The Embassy’s statement read: “Justice has no borders. This is our strong U.S.-Ghana law enforcement partnership in action demonstrating a shared commitment to accountability”.
What Happens Next
Authorities will complete necessary administrative, security, and medical procedures before transferring Attionu into the custody of the Ghana Prison Service, where she will begin serving her 10-year custodial sentence.
