Ghana has recorded a major breakthrough in its long-running anti-corruption efforts following the arrest of former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Christine Tamakloe-Attionu, in the United States.
The arrest was confirmed on Thursday, January 15, 2026, by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, who disclosed that the former MASLOC boss is currently being held at the Nevada Southern Detention Center in Pahrump, Nevada, pending extradition proceedings.
According to the Ambassador, Tamakloe-Attionu was arrested by the US Marshals Service on January 6, 2026, acting on an extradition request formally submitted by the Government of Ghana in July 2024.
“My information is that she was detained by US Marshals on January 6th and has since been kept at the detention centre. This arrest is directly linked to Ghana’s extradition request,” Ambassador Smith stated.
Convicted in absentia
The arrest follows her conviction and sentencing in absentia by an Accra High Court in April 2024, where she was handed a 10-year prison sentence after being found guilty on 78 counts, including causing financial loss to the state, stealing, conspiracy to steal, money laundering, and breaches of the Public Procurement Act.
The offences were committed during her tenure as CEO of Microfinance and Small Loans Centre between 2013 and 2016. Her former Chief Operating Officer, Daniel Axim, was also convicted in the same case.
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Tamakloe-Attionu was tried in absentia after failing to return to Ghana despite being granted court permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. Following her conviction, the state secured an arrest warrant to enable international pursuit and extradition.
Details of the financial misconduct
Court findings revealed extensive financial irregularities under her leadership. Among them was a GH¢500,000 withdrawal described as a loan to Obaatampa Savings and Loans, which was later refunded but never returned to MASLOC’s accounts. The court also established that more than GH¢1.7 million allocated for a nationwide sensitisation programme was misappropriated, with only GH¢1,300 used for its intended purpose.
Extradition process underway
Ghanaian officials say the arrest marks a critical step toward ensuring Tamakloe-Attionu serves her sentence in Ghana. Extradition proceedings are expected to follow US legal processes, after which she could be returned to Ghana to begin her prison term if the courts approve the request.
The development has been welcomed by governance and accountability advocates, who see it as a strong signal that convicted officials cannot evade justice by fleeing abroad.
Government sources say Ghana will continue to work closely with US authorities to ensure the extradition process is concluded swiftly and in line with international legal standards.
