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General News of Friday, 31 January 2003

Source: Statesman

?2.5bn Scandal Rocks Guinness

Guinness Ghana Limited, one of the country?s largest and most profitable breweries is reeling under a scandal that threatens to spark off serious workers? agitation. Someone or some people are alleged to have managed to siphon about ?2.5 billion from the company?s accounts using the forged signature of the Financial Manager.

The company?s Board of Directors who have so far managed to hush up the scandal have appointed a high-powered committee to probe the fraud and all those who are said to be connected with the committee have been bussed to Accra to face the committee.

Kojo Sam, the Financial Manager, has vehemently protested his innocence. The Statesman newspaper says the assistance of the police forensic laboratory in Accra is being sought to determine who forged his signature.

Among those expected to appear before the committee is the former deputy Managing Director, Frank Dameli who was recently engaged as a consultant after his retirement last December. But surprisingly Dameli, against whom some allegations have been made is a member of the committee.

Meanwhile, Guinness officials are under strict instructions not to talk to the media. Workers of the company, who are visibly angry at the scandal of the missing ?2.5 billion are said to be preparing for a showdown with management.