Investigations into transactions at Customs should continue, despite Col. Kwadwo Damoah’s resignation as Commissioner-General of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) This is according to Paul Collins Appiah Ofori, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa.
Nana Akufo-Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo directed Col Damoah to hand over after his contract of service expired.
In a letter dated August 26, 2022, Mr Akufo-Addo stated, “Following the expiration of your contract of service as Commissioner (Customs Division) of the Ghana Revenue Authority on October 13, 2021, the President of the Republic has directed that effective Friday, August 26, 2022, you hand over duty and office to the Acting Deputy Commissioner (Preventive Service), Mr Asiedu Iddisah, who will act as the Commissioner (Customs Division) pending the President.
“The President expresses gratitude for your service to the state and wishes you success in your future endeavours.”
On the Sunrise show on 3FM on Tuesday, August 30, PC Appiah Ofori, an anti-corruption crusader, said, “Investigations should continue, the fact that he has been told to leave his position should not end there.”
Anybody who is committed against the corruption fight should look beyond the people and focus on the State. – @alfred_3fm #3FMSunrise
— Urban Lifestyle Radio📻 (@3fm927) August 30, 2022
“Anyone who is committed to fighting corruption should look beyond the people and focus on the State,” he added.
After being apprehended in the Labianca Food scandal, which was uncovered by the OSP, Col. Damoah has become embroiled in controversy.
This followed a scandal involving a business owned by a Council of State member, Labianca Foods, in which the OSP collected almost GHC1 million (GHC1,074, 627.15) in unpaid import duties from the company.
The report, in his opinion, is “empty and motivated by hate.”
The OSP also demanded a copy of the GRA’s Integrity plans to prevent corruption and called for broader investigations into the GRA’s Customs Division.
Between 2017 and 2021, the OSP investigated alleged corruption and corruption-related offences involving the evasion and valuation of duties on frozen and processed food products imported into Ghana.
According to the OSP, the case involved some high-ranking officials from the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division (GRA).
Col Damoah hands over: Investigations should continue, the fact that he has been told to leave his position should not end there.
Anti-Corruption Crusader, Hon P.C Appiah Ofori #3FMSunrise
— Urban Lifestyle Radio📻 (@3fm927) August 30, 2022
According to the OSP’s investigation report, “Labianca Company Limited began operations in 2014 and is wholly owned and controlled by Ms Asomah-Hinneh on all practical and legal considerations.” The company appears to import approximately two hundred (200) forty (40) footer shipping containers of frozen chicken parts, fish, pork, and fries from Europe and the United States of America on a monthly basis. It commands a sizable market share in the imported frozen foods industry.
Also read: P.C Appiah-Ofori: Corrupt officials must be prosecuted
“There was little engagement with the Customs Division in the first three (3) years of the company’s operations beyond the settlement of standard customs duty and other tax obligations until 2017 when the company actively began applications to the latter for the acceptance of the values of frozen foods it intended to import.”
“By the time the company began the applications, Ms Asomah-Hinneh had been elected to the Council of State, representing the Western Region, and appointed to the governing board of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, positions she held at all material times.” According to this assessment, Ms Asomah-Hinneh is a politically exposed person as defined by Section 79 of Act 959.”
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