Four senior officials face corruption charges over stolen rice containers at Tema Port

Four high-ranking officials charged with rice scandal

Four high-ranking public officials are facing criminal charges in connection with the alleged theft of ten containers of imported rice at the Tema Port, an incident that has sparked public outrage and intensified calls for accountability in Ghana’s port operations.

The accused include Issah Seidu, a staff member of the National Insurance Commission; James Keck Osei, a former Director at the Office of the Vice President; and two senior Customs officers, John Abban and Peter Archibold Hyde.

According to prosecutors, the accused conspired to illegally divert rice imported from Thailand in 2022. Investigators allege that Seidu used forged documents, including a fraudulent letter purportedly originating from the Office of the Vice President, to claim ownership of the containers.

Authorities say the plan involved manipulating the auction process to offload the rice to Seidu, despite the fact that the consignment had already been legally imported with all duties fully paid by the rightful owners.

The scheme came to light after internal checks and a High Court ruling uncovered irregularities in the handling of the containers. The exposé triggered swift legal action, culminating in formal charges of corruption against all four individuals.

They are expected to make their first appearance in court on Friday, June 27, 2025.

This case adds to mounting concerns about corruption and collusion at Ghana’s ports, with critics urging government agencies to tighten oversight and enforce stronger transparency measures to protect state and private interests.