A United States District Court in Nevada has approved 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.
In its ruling, the court confirmed it has jurisdiction over both the extradition process and the individual involved, while also affirming that the extradition treaty between the United States and Ghana remains valid and enforceable.
The court further determined that the person presented before it is the same individual sought by Ghanaian authorities and noted that all supporting documents submitted as part of the extradition request were properly authenticated.
Additionally, the judge found sufficient probable cause to believe that Tamakloe-Attionu committed the offences for which she is being sought.
Following the decision, the court certified her extradition and ordered that she be held in the custody of the United States Marshals Service, pending a final determination by the U.S. Secretary of State on whether she will be surrendered to Ghana.
Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted in Ghana in April 2024 and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after being found guilty on multiple counts, including causing financial loss to the state, stealing, conspiracy, money laundering, and breaches of procurement laws.
Court records indicate that she left the country during the trial after receiving permission to travel abroad for medical treatment but failed to return, leading to her being tried in absentia.
Her extradition marks 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 attempts to recover state funds allegedly lost through financial irregularities at MASLOC.
The trial, which began in 2019, focused on offences said to have occurred between 2013 and 2016, involving the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for MASLOC programmes.
Her co-accused, former MASLOC Chief Operating Officer Daniel Axim, was also convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed several instances of financial misconduct. These included the withdrawal of GH¢500,000 as a loan to Obaatampa Savings and Loans Company, which was later repaid but not recorded in MASLOC’s accounts.
The court also found that over GH¢1.7 million allocated for a sensitisation programme was largely misapplied, with only a portion used for its intended purpose. In another instance, just GH¢579,800 of GH¢1.4 million meant for victims of the Kantamanso fire disaster was disbursed, with the remaining funds unaccounted for.
Further findings highlighted inflated procurement costs for vehicles and mobile phones, with payments far exceeding market prices despite bulk purchasing.
Authorities say the outcome of the extradition process will be crucial in reinforcing accountability and addressing financial mismanagement in public institutions.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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