Personnel from Ghana’s National Security have arrested the former managing director for GIHOC Distilleries, Mr. Maxwell Kofi Jumah at his residence in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional Capital.
The personnel arrived at Jumah’s home on Sunday, June 29, to effect the arrest after a request to speak with him.
Paul Kwabena Yandoh, the Ashanti Regional Communication Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has confirmed the development and said the officers showed something on a phone they claimed was a warrant and insisted on arresting him immediately.
“They denied him the chance to change clothes before being taken away in a pickup vehicle to the Ashanti Regional Police Command. He is currently in custody awaiting further instructions from Accra”,
He added that three lawyers have since arrived to offer legal representation, but no formal charges have been communicated.
Additionally, neither the police nor any national security agency has officially claimed responsibility for the operation.
On 15 May, security operatives stormed Jumah’s residence in an attempt to recover state vehicles reportedly in his possession.
He was not present at the time of the operation.
Reports suggest Jumah is under investigation for alleged financial impropriety during his tenure.
Key concerns include the questionable acquisition of company vehicles and unauthorized sale of assets.
A 2019 letter from the GIHOC Board approved Mr. Jumah’s purchase of a Genesis G90 sedan for GHS 4,943.11—just 5% of its value.
An independent valuation had pegged the car’s worth at nearly GHS 99,000. Investigators say the vehicle was in good condition with no major maintenance history.
He is also accused of holding on to two additional vehicles, including an Audi valued at over $60,000, one of which was reportedly used by his son. One of the vehicles has since been returned to Accra.
Further allegations involve unauthorized sale of GIHOC properties in Tema worth over $700,000 and claims of bloated staff numbers under his leadership. Investigations are still underway.
