Reports making rounds in political and business circles have sent shockwaves across the country, as former Kumasi Mayor and Managing Director of GIHOC Distilleries, Maxwell Kofi Jumah, has been accused of employing Senior High School graduates at the state-owned company and allegedly paying them a staggering GHS25,000 monthly salary.
The claim, which surfaced in a leaked document purported to originate from within GIHOC, has stirred intense public debate over issues of equity, competence, and accountability in state institutions. Many Ghanaians have expressed disbelief, with some questioning the authenticity of the figures, while others argue that if true, it reflects a broader problem of nepotism and mismanagement in government-owned enterprises.
Public Outrage and Questions of Fairness
Social media has been flooded with angry reactions. While university graduates, teachers, and even health professionals often struggle with salaries ranging between GHS2,000–5,000, the alleged remuneration of GHS25,000 for SHS certificate holders has sparked outrage.
“This is daylight injustice. How can nurses who save lives earn less than 5,000 cedis while SHS graduates are given 25,000 in a state company?” one commenter asked.
Others raised concerns about the criteria for recruitment, suggesting that merit and qualifications may have been set aside for personal or political favoritism.
Opposition Parties Demand Answers
Opposition lawmakers have quickly seized on the reports, calling for an immediate parliamentary probe into GIHOC’s employment practices. According to them, such revelations, if proven true, amount to gross financial mismanagement and undermine public confidence in state-owned companies.
“This is not just about the salary figure. It is about transparency, accountability, and fairness. We demand to know who these employees are, why they were hired, and on what grounds they are being paid such huge sums,” a Minority spokesperson in Parliament stated.
Kofi Jumah Yet to Respond
As of now, Mr. Kofi Jumah has not issued an official response to the allegations. Close associates say the figures being circulated are “misrepresented” and do not reflect the actual salary structure at GIHOC. However, critics insist that a public clarification is necessary to set the records straight.
Civil society organizations, including the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and OccupyGhana, are also being urged to wade into the matter to ensure that transparency and accountability are upheld.
Broader Implications
This development has reignited national discussions about the management of state-owned enterprises, which are often accused of inefficiency, bloated payrolls, and political appointments. Analysts warn that such scandals, if left unchecked, erode public trust and strain Ghana’s already fragile economy.
For many ordinary Ghanaians struggling under high inflation and cost of living, the idea of SHS graduates allegedly pocketing GHS25,000 a month at a state company seems not only unfair but also insulting to hardworking professionals across the country.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on Mr. Kofi Jumah and the management of GIHOC Distilleries to respond decisively to the claims and provide clarity on the real situation.
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