Profile of late Labianca CEO Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinneh

The Chief Executive Officer of Labianca Company Limited, one of the largest frozen food imports in West Africa, Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinneh, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the International Maritime Hospital (IMAH) at Tema, after a brief illness.

Her passing marks the end of a distinguished career marked by significant contributions to business and public service in Ghana.

Eunice Jacqueline Asomah-Hinneh brought over 35 years of experience in product management, new business development, entrepreneurship, partnership development, supplier/vendor relations, as well as strategic planning and growth.

She was a pioneering entrepreneur who founded Labianca Company Limited, transforming it from a sole proprietorship into a well-established limited liability company within seven years.

Her leadership saw the company grow to employ over 300 individuals, contributing significantly to Ghana’s economic landscape.

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavours, Asomah-Hinneh was also a dedicated public servant.

At the time of her death, she served as the representative of the Western Region on the Council of State.

Her commitment to public service was further 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 underscored her dedication to the development and governance of Ghana.

Eunice Buah Asomah-Hinneh’s career was, however, 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.