Four public officials have been charged with corruption in connection with the hijacking of 10 containers of rice from an importer at Tema Port in 2022. The individuals charged are Issah Seidu, James Keck Osei, John Abban, and Peter Archibold Hyde. They allegedly conspired to unlawfully take possession of the rice, which was imported from Thailand.
According to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Issah Seidu fraudulently claimed ownership of the rice using forged documents and a letter that had been falsely issued by the Office of the then Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Seidu, who works for the National Insurance Commission, and James Keck Osei, a former Director at the Vice President’s Secretariat, reportedly collaborated with two senior Customs officials—John Abban and Peter Archibold Hyde—to circumvent customs procedures in order to secure the goods.
Although the rice was legally imported and the necessary duties were paid, the group attempted to auction the containers to Issah Seidu. Their plan was uncovered following internal investigations and a High Court ruling, which revealed the fraudulent scheme. The four officials are scheduled to appear in court on Friday, June 27, 2025.
By: Enoch Darfah Frimpong
