Four public officials have been formally charged with corruption over allegations of conspiring to hijack ten containers of imported rice at Tema Port. The officials, identified as Issah Seidu, James Keck Osei, John Abban, and Peter Archibold Hyde, are accused of engaging in a corrupt scheme to secure the goods.
According to reports, Seidu, who works with the National Insurance Commission, allegedly used fake documents and a letter falsely issued from the Office of the Vice President to claim the rice containers. He is said to have teamed up with Osei, a former Director at the Vice President’s Secretariat, and two senior Customs officials, Abban and Hyde, to override customs processes and secure the goods.
The plot was allegedly exposed after internal investigations and a High Court ruling revealed the scheme. It is understood that the rice was legally imported from Thailand in 2022, and duties had been paid on the goods. The group allegedly attempted to auction the containers to Seidu before their plan was uncovered.
The four officials are set to appear in court on June 27, 2025, to face charges related to corruption. The case highlights concerns about corruption and abuse of office in Ghana’s public sector, and the need for greater accountability and transparency in government and customs operations.
Sankofaonline
