In a dramatic and unprecedented move, the newly appointed District Chief Executive (DCE) for Upper Manya Krobo in the Eastern Region, Hon. Emmanuel Kwesi Lawer, took a bold stance against corruption by locking three staff members in his office over the alleged embezzlement of GH¢67,900 from the Assembly’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF).
The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, barely two months after Hon. Lawer assumed office. The DCE, a long-serving assembly member turned administrator, had uncovered irregularities in the Assembly’s financial records spanning 2024 through early 2025.
Following suspicions raised by an internal audit, Hon. Lawer summoned the District Finance Officer (DFO), the Accounts Officer, and the Revenue Superintendent for questioning.
The confrontation escalated when the DFO reportedly refused to submit three General Counterfoil Receipt (GCR) booklets suspected to be linked to the missing funds. The DCE then locked all three staff members in his office and immediately called in the police.
This decisive action led to the swift recovery of the full GH¢67,900.
According to sources, the Revenue Superintendent refunded GH¢5,800, the Accounts Officer returned GH¢27,600, and the DFO—under police escort—withdrew GH¢34,500 from his personal bank account in Koforidua the following day to complete the repayment.
The recovered funds have since been deposited into the Assembly’s official account.
Police investigations into the matter are ongoing, with possible charges expected depending on the outcome.
Speaking to the media after the incident, Hon. Lawer reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
“This Assembly belongs to the people. Every cedi must be accounted for. We will not allow public office to be used for private gain,” he said.
The DCE also announced the immediate commencement of a full-scale audit of all departments under the Assembly to detect and recover any additional financial losses.
His actions have been met with praise by local stakeholders and anti-corruption advocates, with many calling for similar firm leadership across other districts in Ghana.
This incident marks a significant statement by the Upper Manya Krobo District Assembly—accountability will not just be preached but enforced.
