The legal net is tightening around former MASLOC CEO Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu, as her case moves from a conviction in absentia to the brink of enforcement through extradition from the United States.
In 2024, an Accra High Court handed Attionu a 10-year prison sentence with hard labour after finding her guilty of causing financial loss to the state.
The conviction followed revelations of the misapplication of millions of Ghana cedis intended to support small businesses under MASLOC. She was also found guilty on counts including stealing and money laundering. Businessman Daniel Axim was convicted alongside her.
At the time of the trial, Attionu was outside Ghana, raising doubts about whether the state could enforce the ruling. That uncertainty has now given way to a significant legal breakthrough.
A United States District Court in Nevada has certified her extradition, confirming that the request by Ghana meets all legal thresholds under its extradition treaty with the United States.
She is currently being held by the U.S. Marshals Service, awaiting the final decision on whether she will be surrendered to Ghanaian authorities.
According to immigration lawyer Amanda Clinton, although the court has approved the extradition, the process now moves into the executive phase, where timelines can vary depending on legal and administrative factors.
“The executive branch must confirm the process, and this can take anywhere from three to eight months. If there are administrative delays, it could take about two to four months. But if she contests the extradition through further legal filings, it may extend to four to eight months.
On the face of it, extradition has been granted. Once the executive confirms, transfer logistics begin, and she will be surrendered to Ghana. Upon arrival, she will begin serving her sentence, having already been convicted in absentia.”
Clinton further notes that any legal challenge may have limited impact on the final outcome.
“Even if she contests it, she has already submitted to Ghana’s jurisdiction by participating in the trial before leaving. From a legal standpoint, she absconded.
It would also be difficult to argue political persecution, given the level of support she previously received. This is why many would consider it largely a done deal — at most, any challenge may only delay her return by a few months.”
With the courts having completed their role, the decision now rests with the U.S. Secretary of State, who will weigh legal, diplomatic, and humanitarian considerations before making a final determination.
If approved, Attionu will be returned to Ghana to begin serving her sentence marking a significant moment of international cooperation in enforcing accountability in corruption-related cases.
By Enyonam Haligah
