Former Managing Director of GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited, Maxwell Kofi Jumah, has reportedly been arrested by law enforcement authorities over alleged financial malfeasance during his tenure at the state-owned beverage company.
Reports stated that Jumah was picked up by national security operatives at his residence in Kumasi on Sunday, June 29, 2025, following months of internal audits and preliminary inquiries into procurement breaches, unapproved transactions, and potential conflict of interest situations linked to his administration.
The arrest, which has yet to be officially confirmed, comes amid a broader government crackdown on alleged corruption in state enterprises.
Reports indicate that the arrest was triggered by a recent forensic audit that uncovered irregularities in contract awards and payment processes under Jumah’s leadership between 2017 and 2023.
Jumah, a former Member of Parliament and one-time Mayor of Kumasi, was appointed by Nana Addo in 2017 to head GIHOC as part of efforts to revamp underperforming state enterprises.
His tenure saw the company aggressively expand its product lines and rebrand its image, though critics raised concerns about transparency and procurement practices.
Attempts to reach Jumah’s legal team for comment have so far been unsuccessful. Meanwhile, sources within GIHOC confirm that several former staff members have also been invited by EOCO for questioning as part of ongoing investigations.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry, under which GIHOC operates, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrest.
In May 2025, the national security apparatus stormed the residence of Kofi Jumah in an attempt to recover state vehicles reportedly in his possession.
A letter dated August 1, 2019, from the Board of Directors of GIHOC approved Jumah’s purchase of a Genesis G90 saloon car (registration number GE 86 22-19), in accordance with his Conditions of Service as Managing Director.
The vehicle, originally valued at over $100,000, was sold to him at just 5% of its value—GHS 4,943.11—as confirmed in a letter signed by the company’s Secretary and Head of Administration, Apea Twumasi-Ankrah.
The 2018 model vehicle, with a 3,300cc engine and chassis number KMHG34JXJU039991, had a mileage of 38,971 km and a seating capacity of five. A technical inspection assessed key components such as the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, and electrical systems to be in “good” condition, with no history of prior maintenance.
An independent valuation conducted by the State Transport Corporation placed the car’s value at GHS 98,862.00. The appraisal was completed by Daniel K. Orhin, with certification number 0014073.
Jumah is also being investigated for allegedly retaining two additional official vehicles—including an Audi valued at over $60,000—without formal approval from the Board.
