The Chief Executive Officer of Labianca Company Limited, Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinneh, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the International Maritime Hospital (IMAH) in Tema following a brief illness.
Asomah-Hinneh, who led one of the largest frozen food import companies in West Africa, leaves behind a legacy of substantial contributions to both business and public service in Ghana.
With over 35 years of experience in product management, new business development, entrepreneurship, partnership development, supplier/vendor relations, strategic planning, and growth, Asomah-Hinneh was a pioneering entrepreneur.
She founded Labianca Company Limited and transformed it from a sole proprietorship into a well-established limited liability company within seven years. Under her leadership, the company grew to employ over 300 individuals, making a significant impact on Ghana’s economic landscape.
In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Asomah-Hinneh was a dedicated public servant. At the time of her death, she was the representative of the Western Region on the Council of State.
Her commitment to public service was also evidenced by her tenure on the Board of Directors of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) from 2017 to 2021. Her roles in these positions highlighted her dedication to the development and governance of Ghana.
However, Asomah-Hinneh’s career was not without controversy. On August 3, 2022, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) released a report implicating her and the Labianca Group of Companies in corruption-related offences.
The report alleged that Asomah-Hinneh, along with another official, used their positions to secure favorable tax treatment for Labianca Company, her frozen foods business. This led to intensified calls for her resignation by August 9, 2022.
The accusations also involved Colonel Kwadwo Damoah, a former Commissioner of the Customs Division at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and Joseph Adu Kyei, a former Deputy Commissioner of the Division.
However, a significant turn of events occurred when the High Court in Accra quashed portions of the OSP’s report, clearing Kwadwo Damoah and Joseph Adu Kyei of wrongdoing and ordering the OSP to pay GHC10,000 in costs.