The Ghana Police Service has retrieved three state-owned vehicles from the residence of the former Managing Director of GIHOC Distilleries, Maxwell Kofi Jumah.
According to the police, the vehicles—reportedly missing since Jumah left office—were found after an intelligence-led operation was conducted.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to recover state assets that were unlawfully withheld by former public officials.
This comes after Maxwell Kofi Jumah was arrested by law enforcement authorities over alleged financial malfeasance during his tenure at the state-owned beverage company.
Addressing the press, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Ms Lydia Yaako Donkor, said the operation led to the retrieval of three vehicles reported to have been stolen from the state-owned beverage manufacturer.
She said “A story in the media about the arrest of Mr. Maxwell Kofi Jumah, yes, that is accurate. Mr. Maxwell Kofi Jumah was arrested based on a complaint or a petition that was submitted to us by GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited.”
“We received the petition to the effect that some vehicles, which were the property of that company, have been stolen by the said Maxwell Kofi Jumah. He is in our custody at the CID headquarters, and he is assisting in an investigation. I must say that as of this afternoon, we have retrieved three vehicles; the said vehicles that were stolen by him have been retrieved, so he is really assisting us in the investigation, and we will take it up from there.”
The vehicles, details of which include two Toyota Land Cruisers and a Toyota Hilux, were allegedly not returned after Jumah’s exit from GIHOC, contrary to standard government protocols.
Ms Donkor said investigations are underway to determine the circumstances under which the vehicles remained in his possession.
Kofi Jumah, a former Member of Parliament and political figure, has yet to publicly comment on the arrest.
The recovery has reignited calls for stricter asset accountability from former government appointees, with civil society groups urging swift prosecution where wrongdoing is established.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that the operation to retrieve misappropriated state assets will continue, and anyone found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
