Background
The High Court in Accra in 2024 convicted Sedina 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 held that her actions during her tenure as MASLOC Chief Executive between 2013 and 2016 resulted in a financial loss of nearly GH¢90 million to the state.
The conviction stemmed from a prolonged legal battle involving allegations of misappropriation and the diversion of state resources during her administration of the government-funded microfinance institution.
Sedina Attionu had initially been granted permission by the High Court in 2021 to travel to the United States for medical treatment while her trial was ongoing. However, she failed to return to Ghana to continue participating in the proceedings, prompting the court to continue the trial in her absence.
Following her conviction and sentencing, Ghanaian authorities intensified efforts to secure her return. In 2025, the Government of Ghana formally requested her extradition from the United States.
The extradition request was subsequently considered by a US District Court sitting in the State of Nevada. After reviewing the application and the supporting legal documentation submitted by Ghanaian authorities, the court certified the extradition request, paving the way for her return to Ghana to face the consequences of the court’s judgment.
The US embassy in the post disclosed the extradition is first one between Ghana and the United States since 2009 adding justice has no borders.
“Justice has no borders. The United States has extradited Sedina Tamakloe Attionu to Ghana, following her conviction on 70+ corruption-related charges, including embezzling more than $6M equivalent in Ghanaian taxpayer funds. This is our strong U.S.-Ghana law enforcement partnership in action demonstrating a shared commitment to accountability, and the first extradition from the United States to Ghana since 2009.” The post read.
Authorities are expected to complete the necessary administrative, security and medical procedures before transferring her into the custody of the Ghana Prisons Service, where she will begin serving the 10-year custodial sentence handed down by the Accra High Court.
Some legal analysts believe Madam Attionu through her lawyers can now mount a legal challenge against her conviction through an appeal since her conviction and sentencing were in absentia. She is likely to be released on bail after triggering the appeal process some legal brains believe.
