The Ghana Revenue Authority, GRA, says it is studying the outcomes of the report of the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) investigation into alleged commission of corruption and corruption related offences involving Labianca Group of companies and the Customs Division of the Authority.
A statement signed by its Commissioner General Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amofa said it will not hesitate to ensure that per its mandate all processes and procedures that are identified to lead to loss of revenue or have the potential to lead to loss of revenue are blocked.
The GRA further distances itself from some comments made by the Commissioner of Customs Col. Kwadwo Damoah concerning the findings of a case involving its Customs Division. We bring you details of the statements.
GRA DISSOCIATES ITSELF
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in the statements distanced itself from the comments made by the Commissioner of Customs concerning the findings of a case involving its Customs Division.
The Commissioner of Customs, Col . Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd) last week denigrated the Special Prosecutor’s work regarding a foreign food importing company, Labianca, which suggested alleged irregularity at the port.
The report had concluded that the owner of Labianca had taken advantage of her position as a Board member of the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA) at the time to get favors for her company.
The Special Prosecutor recovered an amount of 1.74 million cedis from the company whose owner doubles as a member of the Council of State, Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinneh.
A Deputy Commissioner of Customs in charge of Operations, Joseph Adu Kyei was also cited by the OSP for issuing what it described as an unlawful customs advance ruling. This, according to the report, reduced the benchmark values of the goods imported by Labianca Limited translating to reduced tax obligations of the company to the state.
Speaking at the Customs Division Management Retreat at Kumasi on August 9, the Commissioner of Customs, Col. Kwadwo Damoah insisted the report was released with malicious intent to discredit the Customs officers.
The Commissioner General of GRA, Rev Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah in the statement said it does not want any of Col. Damoah’s comments associated with the outfit’s official position.
He said the Authority accords the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) the respect and the dignity that it carries.
Per his assessment, the comments by the Commissioner of Customs were made in his personal capacity and does not convey the opinion of the Board and Management of GRA.
The statement further pledged the GRA’s readiness to assess the OSP’s report and develop measures to seal loopholes that are found to be impeding revenue mobilization at the ports.
GRA in the statement assured the public that prior to the release of the OSP’s report, it had taken steps to streamline and improve on the processes of accurately determining values of imported items and products.
It said the GRA is ensuring that all unreasonable exercise of discretionary power which will result in the loss of revenue is be prevented.
The Authority further assures all stakeholders and the public that it has taken steps to ensure that all allegations of impropriety on the part of any of its staff are promptly and decisively investigated and that all cases of tax evasion or other acts that are contrary to the Laws governing the Authority Authority will be dealt with.
Ashantibiz
