The United States has extradited former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, to Ghana following her conviction on more than 70 corruption-related offences.
Announcing the development on Tuesday, June 9, the U.S. Embassy in Ghana described the extradition as a reflection of the strong law enforcement partnership between Ghana and the United States and their shared commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
According to the Embassy, Attionu was convicted of offences that included the embezzlement of more than US$6 million equivalent in Ghanaian taxpayer funds.
The Embassy noted that the extradition marks the first transfer of a fugitive from the United States to Ghana since 2009, highlighting growing cooperation between the two countries in tackling corruption and enforcing judicial decisions.
In a separate statement, Acting Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that Attionu arrived in Ghana on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
“Officials of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Prisons Service have taken her into custody and are making the necessary preparations for her to begin her sentence,” the statement said.
Her return follows a prolonged extradition process that began after she failed to return to Ghana following a medical trip to the United States.
In 2024, the Accra High Court convicted Attionu in absentia and sentenced her to 10 years’ imprisonment after finding her guilty of multiple offences, including causing financial loss to the state and stealing.
The court concluded that her actions while serving as MASLOC Chief Executive between 2013 and 2016 resulted in a financial loss of nearly GH¢90 million to the state.
Following the conviction, Ghanaian authorities intensified efforts to secure her return and formally submitted an extradition request to the United States in 2025.
The request was later reviewed by a U.S. District Court in Nevada, which certified the extradition after examining the legal documentation and evidence presented by Ghanaian authorities.
The ruling cleared the way for Attionu’s return to Ghana to serve her prison sentence and comply with the court’s judgment.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General is expected to hold bilateral discussions with officials from the United States Department of Justice on outstanding extradition requests between the two countries.
The meeting is expected to address procedural issues and strengthen cooperation on extradition and mutual legal assistance matters.
Authorities say the successful extradition represents a significant milestone in cross-border law enforcement cooperation and reinforces efforts to ensure that individuals convicted of serious offences are held accountable, regardless of where they may be located.
