Former Managing Director of GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited, Maxwell Kofi Jumah
Former Managing Director of GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited, Maxwell Kofi Jumah, has been arrested by national security personnel at his residence in Kumasi, according to a news report from asaaseradio.com.
The arrest, which took place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, was described as sudden and forceful. Eyewitnesses say the operatives arrived under the guise of a request to speak with the former GIHOC boss but proceeded to detain him after showing what they claimed was a warrant on a mobile phone.
“He wasn’t allowed to change his clothes,” said Paul Yandoh, Ashanti Regional Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who confirmed the development.
“They bundled him into a pickup vehicle and took him to the Ashanti Regional Police Command. He is still in custody, awaiting further directives from Accra.”
Yandoh expressed concerns over the nature of the arrest, calling it an act of political persecution.
“This is not the democracy we are building. It appears the President is using state institutions to suppress the opposition,” he stated.
“So far, no formal charges have been filed against Jumah, and no national security agency or police department has officially taken responsibility for the operation. However, three lawyers have reportedly arrived at the police station to offer legal representation.”
This is not the first time security operatives have targeted the former GIHOC boss. On May 15, 2025 officers raided Jumah’s home in an attempt to retrieve state-owned vehicles believed to be in his possession. He was not home at the time.
Sources familiar with the ongoing probe say Jumah is allegedly under investigation for a range of financial and administrative irregularities during his time at the helm of the state-owned distillery.
Among the key allegations is the controversial acquisition of a Genesis G90 luxury vehicle, which Jumah reportedly purchased in 2019 for just GH¢4,943.11 roughly 5% of its market value.
An independent valuation had placed the vehicle’s worth at close to GH¢99,000, with investigators asserting it was in good condition and required no significant repairs.
He is also accused of retaining two additional vehicles, including an Audi worth over $60,000. One of the vehicles, allegedly used by his son, has since been returned to Accra.
Other accusations involve the unauthorized sale of GIHOC properties in Tema valued at over $700,000, as well as allegations of inflating the company’s staff size during his tenure.
AM/SEA
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