A US District Court in Nevada has officially certified the extradition of Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, the former CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC). This ruling follows her 2024 conviction in absentia by an Accra High Court for her role in defrauding the Ghanaian state.
Background of the Case
During her tenure as MASLOC boss from 2013 to 2016, Attionu was found to have caused a financial loss of nearly GH¢90 million.
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Departure: In 2021, the Accra High Court granted her permission to travel to the United States for medical treatment.
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The Disappearance: Attionu failed to return to Ghana to face trial, leading to her being sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison.
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The Request: Following her refusal to return, the Government of Ghana submitted a formal extradition request to US authorities last year.
The US Court Ruling
The US District Court for the State of Nevada, acting under 18 U.S.C. § 3184, certified the request after reviewing the extensive list of charges against her. Attionu, also known as Sedina Sharon Christine Acolatse, will be extradited to face the following counts:
| Charge Category | Number of Counts | Legal Violation |
| Stealing | 25 Counts | Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) |
| Conspiracy to Steal | 9 Counts | Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) |
| Willfully Causing Financial Loss | 20 Counts | Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) |
| Conspiracy to Cause Loss | 11 Counts | Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) |
| Loss to Public Property | 3 Counts | Public Property Protection Act, 1977 |
| Money Laundering | 4 Counts | Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008 |
Next Steps
The court has committed Attionu to the custody of the United States Marshal. She will remain in custody pending the final decision on her surrender by the US Secretary of State, as required by federal law.
This ruling marks a significant milestone in the Ghanaian government’s efforts to recover misappropriated funds and ensure accountability for high-ranking public officials.