Law enforcement officials have reportedly arrested Maxwell Kofi Jumah, the former managing director of GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited, for alleged financial misconduct committed when he was employed by the state-owned beverage company.
During months of internal audits and initial investigations into procurement violations, unauthorized transactions, and possible conflicts of interest associated with his administration, Jumah was reportedly picked up by national security agents at his home in Kumasi on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
The arrest, which is still pending official confirmation, coincides with a larger government campaign against suspected wrongdoing in state-owned businesses.
The arrest was reportedly brought about by a recent forensic investigation that found anomalies in the contract awards and payment procedures that Jumah oversaw from 2017 to 2023.
In an attempt to improve failing state businesses, Nana Addo named Jumah, a former member of parliament and former mayor of Kumasi, as the head of GIHOC in 2017.
Despite criticism over procurement processes and transparency, the corporation aggressively expanded its product ranges and rebranded during his tenure.
Jumah’s legal team has not yet responded to requests for comment. As part of ongoing investigations, EOCO has also invited a number of former employees to be questioned, according to GIHOC sources.
Regarding the arrest, GIHOC’s operating ministry, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, has not yet released an official statement.
In an effort to reclaim state cars that were purportedly in Kofi Jumah’s possession, the national security apparatus invaded his home in May 2025.
According to Jumah’s Conditions of Service as Managing Director, the Board of Directors of GIHOC authorized his purchase of a Genesis G90 saloon automobile (registration number GE 86 22-19) in a letter dated August 1, 2019.
According to a document signed by Apea Twumasi-Ankrah, the company’s secretary and head of administration, the car, which was once worth over $100,000, was sold to him for barely 5% of its value, or GHS 4,943.11.
With a 3,300cc engine and chassis number KMHG34JXJU039991, the 2018 model car could accommodate five people and had 38,971 kilometers on it.
Important parts such the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, and electrical systems were deemed to be in “good” condition after a technical inspection and to have no history of previous maintenance.
The State Transport Corporation’s independent appraisal determined the car’s worth to be GHS 98,862.00. With certification number 0014073, Daniel K. Orhin completed the appraisal.
Investigations are now underway into Jumah’s alleged retention of two more official vehicles, including an Audi worth more than $60,000, without the Board’s approval.
Source: newsthemegh.com