In what appears to be part of a broader government effort to tighten accountability within state-owned enterprises, former Managing Director of GIHOC Distilleries, Maxwell Kofi Jumah, has been arrested by national security operatives over allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure.
Jumah, a well-known political figure and former mayor of Kumasi, was picked up from his residence in Kumasi on Sunday, June 29, after operatives reportedly requested to speak with him. He was subsequently escorted in a security vehicle to the Ashanti Regional Police Command, where he remains in custody pending further investigations.
This arrest follows an earlier incident on May 15, when state security personnel attempted to retrieve official government vehicles allegedly still in Jumah’s possession long after his exit from office. That operation proved unsuccessful at the time as Jumah was not present at the residence.
Sources close to the investigation have confirmed that Jumah is being probed for alleged financial irregularities, including the unauthorized sale of GIHOC assets and questionable vehicle procurement and allocations. The probe reportedly stems from findings in an internal audit conducted earlier this year as part of a sweeping review of operations at state-owned enterprises.
While no formal charges have been announced yet, officials familiar with the case indicate that Jumah’s arrest is aimed at facilitating deeper investigations into potential abuse of office, conflict of interest, and breach of public trust.
Observers see the arrest as the latest signal of the government’s intensifying scrutiny of former and current officials overseeing public assets. “This isn’t just about one man,” said a governance analyst in Kumasi. “It reflects a mounting national demand for accountability and responsible stewardship in state institutions.”
Neither Mr. Jumah nor his legal representatives have publicly commented on the matter as of press time. National Security and the Ashanti Regional Police Command have also not issued an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Maxwell Kofi Jumah served as MD of GIHOC Distilleries until early 2024. His tenure saw the company expand product lines but was also marred by criticism regarding procurement practices and asset management.
This is a developing story. More updates to follow.
