Former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (Microfinance and Small Loans Centre), Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, has been extradited from the United States to Ghana to begin serving her prison sentence following her conviction on corruption-related charges.
The extradition was confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Ghana on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in a social media statement describing the development as evidence of strong cooperation between both countries in tackling financial crimes and promoting accountability.
In its statement, the Embassy disclosed that Attionu was returned to Ghana after being convicted on more than 70 corruption-related counts, including the alleged misappropriation of public funds exceeding $6 million.
“Justice has no borders. The United States has extradited Sedina Tamakloe Attionu to Ghana, following her conviction on 70-plus corruption-related charges, including embezzling more than $6 million equivalent in Ghanaian taxpayer funds,” the statement noted.
The Embassy further indicated that the case underscores deepening law enforcement collaboration between Ghana and the United States, particularly in ensuring that individuals convicted of financial crimes are held accountable. It also revealed that this is the first extradition from the U.S. to Ghana since 2009.
Government Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, also confirmed her arrival in Accra, stating that she has been taken into custody by officers of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Prisons Service to commence the enforcement of her sentence.
According to him, U.S. authorities formally notified Ghana earlier this year about her surrender after prolonged legal proceedings spanning more than two years. He added that further administrative steps are underway to ensure full execution of the court’s ruling.
The Accra High Court in 2024 sentenced Attionu to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after finding her guilty of causing financial loss to the state.
She had been granted permission in 2021 to travel to the United States for medical treatment while her trial was ongoing but failed to return to Ghana to continue proceedings, leading the court to complete the trial in her absence.
Her conviction stemmed from findings that millions of cedis allocated to support small and medium-scale enterprises under MASLOC were allegedly misapplied. She was also found guilty on charges including stealing and money laundering. Businessman Daniel Axim was convicted alongside her.
The case, which involved allegations of conspiracy, financial loss to the state, and misuse of public funds, has since become one of the most closely followed corruption prosecutions in recent years, culminating in her extradition to serve her sentence in Ghana.
