GPCL Director Urged to Probe Missing Christmas Rice Incident

A petition has been submitted to the Managing Director (MD) of the Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL), Nana Kwasi Boatey, calling for the establishment of a committee to investigate the mysterious disappearance of 45 bags of Christmas rice from the Company’s warehouse in Accra.
The petition, filed by Samuel Donkor, who also serves as the Kumasi branch manager of the Company, follows suspicions raised during inquiries into two staff members, Michael Owusu (head of stores) and Ernest Acquah (head of Transport), regarding the alleged theft.
Dated April 22, the petition asserts that during questioning, Owusu and Acquah were unable to provide a clear account of the number of rice bags removed from the warehouse, prompting doubts about their responses. Donkor is urging for a more thorough investigation by the MD and the new management team to resolve the issue definitively.
The incident occurred in December 2024 under the previous Director, David Asante, with the matter coming to light in March 2025, a month after Nana Kwasi Boatey assumed office.
According to the petition, the rice was procured as part of the Christmas package for the staff, with each staff member, heads of departments, and sectional heads receiving specific allocations. Directors initially received five bags each, which was later increased to 10 bags per director. Sectorial heads and staff members were allotted two bags each.
Donkor emphasized the importance of scrutinizing the storekeeper’s involvement in the matter, as he is conflicted and one of the accused individuals. The petitioner stressed the necessity for urgent internal audit to ascertain the distribution of the 500 bags of rice and other Christmas items among the staff properly.
Highlighting the importance of sound resource management in achieving the company’s strategic objectives, Donkor underscored the need for transparency and integrity in handling Company resources, particularly in cases involving suspected misappropriation.
The petition called for the establishment of a competent committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, allowing the implicated individuals an opportunity to clear their names and preserve the Company’s reputation.
“We trust that the MD’s office will address this issue promptly to safeguard the Company’s standing and restore the integrity of all parties involved,” stated the former head of operations.