Four persons charged over alleged rice heist at Tema Port

A major corruption scandal has erupted involving four prominent figures accused of scheming to illegally acquire ten containers of imported rice at Ghana’s Tema Port.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) confirmed that criminal charges have been filed against Issah Seidu of the National Insurance Commission, James Keck Osei—formerly of the Vice President’s Secretariat—and two Customs officers, John Abban and Peter Archibold Hyde.

According to details emerging from court documents, the suspects are believed to have used forged documentation, including a fake letter allegedly issued from the Office of the Vice President, to take control of the rice containers, which had been lawfully imported from Thailand in 2022 with all duties fully paid.

Investigators say the plan was to exploit the Ghana Revenue Authority’s auction system under false pretences, essentially rerouting the goods for personal enrichment. The plot unraveled following an internal probe by the GRA and a decisive ruling from the High Court, which exposed the irregularities.

The accused will face the court on Friday, 27 June 2025, to respond to multiple charges, including corruption, conspiracy, and abuse of public office.

The OSP has vowed to pursue justice relentlessly and hinted that additional arrests may follow as investigations deepen.

This development adds to mounting concerns over corruption in public institutions and underscores the government’s recent commitment to strengthen accountability across the board.