The Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has confirmed that the state is actively seeking the extradition of Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), to Ghana.
Attionu, who is currently residing in the United States, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Accra High Court for various charges, including stealing, procurement breaches, and causing financial loss to the state.
Speaking during an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Tuah-Yeboah explained that the Ghanaian government is collaborating with U.S. authorities to facilitate her return to the country so that she can begin serving her sentence. He expressed confidence that the extradition process would be successful, noting that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure that justice is served.
“She was convicted by the court in Ghana some time ago, and after the conviction, I made it known to the media that we were going to take steps to have her extradited to Ghana. We started taking those steps, and in collaboration with our international partners, we know where she is, and very soon, definitely, she may be extradited to Ghana,” Tuah-Yeboah stated.
Attionu was convicted by the Accra High Court on April 16, 2024, after being found guilty of stealing, procurement breaches, and causing a financial loss of GH¢90 million to the state. The charges stem from her time as the CEO of MASLOC, where she was accused of engaging in fraudulent activities that resulted in the misappropriation of public funds.
Her co-accused, Daniel Axim, who served as the Operations Manager of MASLOC, was also implicated in the case. The two were dragged to court in January 2019 and charged with 78 counts, including stealing, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. While Axim’s case is still ongoing, Attionu fled the country before the final judgment, leading to her current status as a fugitive.
The Deputy Attorney General emphasized that the process of extradition is complex and requires close coordination between multiple authorities, including the courts. He explained that the Ghanaian government has already filed the necessary documentation with the U.S. authorities and is awaiting the completion of the legal procedures required to bring Attionu back to Ghana.
“When it comes to extradition processes, you have to go through the court procedures to get a court order. What we are supposed to do is furnish the U.S. authorities with whatever we have, and once they finish their part, she will be brought down to Ghana,” Tuah-Yeboah explained.
The case of Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu has garnered significant attention in Ghana due to the large sum of money involved and the high-profile nature of her role at MASLOC. MASLOC, a government initiative designed to provide microloans to small businesses and support economic growth, has been plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement over the years. Attionu’s conviction is seen by many as a step towards addressing the financial misdeeds that have marred the institution’s reputation.
However, her flight from the country and current residence in the United States has raised questions about the effectiveness of Ghana’s legal system in ensuring accountability for public officials. Critics have argued that the state should have done more to prevent her from leaving the country, especially given the gravity of the charges she faced.
The Ghanaian government’s pursuit of Attionu’s extradition reflects its commitment to bringing those responsible for financial crimes to justice, regardless of their location. The case has also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing cross-border legal issues. Tuah-Yeboah expressed optimism that the extradition process would be completed soon, allowing Attionu to serve her sentence in Ghana.
As the legal proceedings continue, many Ghanaians are closely watching to see how the case will unfold and whether the government will succeed in bringing Attionu back to face the consequences of her actions. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for future efforts to combat corruption and financial mismanagement within government institutions.
In the meantime, the Ghana Police Service and other relevant authorities remain on high alert, working diligently to track Attionu’s movements and ensure that all legal avenues are pursued to secure her extradition. The government has reassured the public that it will not rest until justice is served and that it is committed to holding individuals accountable for any wrongdoing, particularly when it involves the misuse of public funds.
As part of the ongoing effort to recover the stolen funds, the government has also indicated that it will explore all possible options for retrieving the money lost during Attionu’s tenure at MASLOC. This includes working with international partners to trace any assets that may have been hidden abroad.
Ultimately, the case of Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and strong legal frameworks in preventing financial misconduct within government institutions. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance in ensuring that those who commit such crimes are brought to justice, regardless of where they may be. As Ghana moves forward, the government’s handling of this case will likely be seen as a test of its resolve to combat corruption and restore public trust in its institutions.
