Private Legal Practitioner Martin Kpebu has called on the judiciary to clarify when the prison sentence of former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer Sedina Christine Tamakloe-Attionu should officially begin, following her impending extradition to Ghana.
His call comes after a United States District Court in Nevada certified her extradition, paving the way for her return to face the full force of the law after her conviction in absentia.
Speaking to Citi News, Kpebu stressed the need for legal certainty regarding the computation of her 10-year sentence, particularly given her absence from the country since judgment was delivered.
“She should be brought back home and, straight away on her arrival, should be whisked away to prison. By law, if you look at our Act 30, a prison sentence starts to run from the day it is pronounced.
“Now that she has been away for some years, the question will be whether we start the 10 years from the day she arrives in Ghana or from about two years ago when the judge pronounced her guilty,” he said.
The U.S. court, in its ruling, affirmed that it has jurisdiction over both the case and the accused, and confirmed that the extradition treaty between Ghana and the United States remains valid and enforceable.
It also established that the individual before the court is the same person being sought by Ghanaian authorities, and that all supporting documents submitted by Ghana were properly certified.
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted in April 2024 on multiple charges, including causing financial loss to the state, stealing, conspiracy, money laundering, and procurement breaches. She was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Court records indicate that she left Ghana before the conclusion of her trial after being granted permission to travel abroad for medical reasons.
Her extradition is expected to mark a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to enforce the court’s judgment and ensure she serves her sentence.
