Former GIHOC MD Maxwell Kofi Jumah Arrested by National Security Operatives In Kumasi

Maxwell Kofi Jumah, the former Managing Director of GIHOC Distilleries, has been picked up by national security operatives from his residence in Kumasi, sparking controversy and political backlash.

According to reports, the arrest took place on Sunday, 29 June, when plain-clothed security personnel arrived at Jumah’s home claiming to have a warrant — shown only on a mobile phone. Despite requests, he was denied the opportunity to change his clothes before being whisked away in a pickup vehicle to the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

He is currently in custody, awaiting directives from Accra.

Paul Yandoh, the Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), confirmed the incident and described it as an act of “political persecution,” accusing the government of using state agencies to silence opposition voices.

“This is not the democracy we are building. It appears the President is using state institutions to suppress the opposition,” Yandoh remarked.

While three lawyers have since shown up to provide legal support, no official charges have been announced. Furthermore, neither the police nor any national security agency has claimed responsibility for the operation.

This is not Jumah’s first encounter with state security. On 15 May, operatives reportedly raided his home in an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve state vehicles believed to be in his possession.

Sources say Jumah is under investigation for multiple instances of alleged financial impropriety during his time at GIHOC. These include:

• The questionable acquisition of a Genesis G90 sedan, bought for only GHS 4,943.11 — just 5% of its actual value, according to an independent valuation that pegged it at nearly GHS 99,000.

• Holding on to two other vehicles, including an Audi worth over $60,000, one of which was allegedly being used by his son. One of the cars has reportedly been returned to Accra.

• The unauthorized sale of GIHOC properties in Tema valued at over $700,000.

• Allegations of bloated staff recruitment under his leadership.

Investigations into these matters are ongoing, but the dramatic nature of the arrest has raised serious questions about the use of state power and due process.