CID boss confirms retrieval of 3 stolen state vehicles from former GIHOC MD, Maxwell Kofi Jumah

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of the former Managing Director of the GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited, Maxwell Kofi Jumah, following a successful acquisition of an arrest warrant.

Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Lydia Yaako Donkor at a media briefing on Monday, June 30 disclosed that the arrest was effected after GIHOC Distilleries petitioned the police about stolen vehicles in possession of Kofi Jumah.

According to DCOP Donkor, the alleged stolen vehicles, belonging to state-owned beverage manufacturer have been retrieved.

“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,” she added.

Officials of the National Security arrested the Former Managing Director of GIHOC Distilleries, Maxwell Kofi Jumah at his residence in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region on Sunday, June 29.

He is being investigated for alleged financial misconduct, including the unauthorised sale of assets and questionable vehicle acquisitions during his tenure at GIHOC.

It is recalled that the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during a meeting with the Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on March 13 said that GIHOC Distilleries reported a loss of GH₵25.1 million in 2022 and a further GH₵25.5 million in 2023.

President John Dramani Mahama later expressed disbelief over the financial struggles of GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited.

He questioned how an alcohol-producing firm could incur significant losses despite strong local demand.

Addressing workers at the May Day parade held at Independence Square in Accra on Thursday, May 1, President Mahama referenced recent reports indicating that GIHOC Distilleries recorded financial losses in both 2022 and 2023.

Mahama said the situation was especially concerning given the high and consistent demand for alcoholic beverages in Ghana.

“How can you sell alcohol and be in debt? When I was president, GIHOC was making a profit. Because Ghanaians, when we are happy, we drink alcohol, when we are sad, we drink alcohol, so how can an alcohol manufacturing company make losses?” he asked.