GRA studying OSP report to block potential revenue loss avenues- C’ssioner General
The GRA accords the OSP with the respect and dignity that it carries and that it continually looks for every opportunity to improve as well as block any revenue leakage.
The Ghana Revenue Authority has stated that it is studying the outcome of the Special Prosecutor’s Report on corruption and Corruption related activities involving the La Bianca Company and the Customs Divison.
It notes that it accords the OSP the respect and the dignity that it carries and that it continually looks for every opportunity to improve as well as block any revenue leakage.
On August 8, 2022, the Office of the Special Prosecutor released its full report into a complaint of alleged corruption and corruption-related activities involving Labianca Company in which it made a finding that “ the coincidence of the indicated applications by La Bianca and the public office appointments of Ms. Asomah-Hinneh, its CEO to the Council of State, was not altogether accidental and that there is strong evidence to suggest that the events are a product of influence peddling.”
Additionally, it noted that the said application by Labianca for Customs review ruling was almost outlandish as it, in effect, requested the acceptance by the Customs Division of a range of values between 50% - 80% lower than the approved benchmark values of the frozen foods in question.
Further, the report found that the said customs advance ruling issued by Mr. Adu Kyei to the company was procured “through influence peddling or trading of influence by Ms. Asomah-Hinneh by employing her position as a member of the Council of State and a member of the Board of Directors of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.”
Subsequently, the Commissioner of Customs, Col, Kwadwo Damoah(Rtd) was not pleased with the findings of the OSP and made some comments to the effect that it was an attempt to denigrate him and soil his image.
However, a Press Release signed by the Commissioner General, Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah notes that the above comments by Col Damoah at the Customs Management Retreat on August 10 were made in his personal capacity and do not convey the opinion of the Board and Management of the Authority.
Additionally, the GRA assures the general public that it had taken steps to streamline and improve the processes of accurately determining the values of imported items and products prior to the release of the OSP’s report.
It further indicates that it took the steps to deal with the practices, especially its December 2021 directive which discontinued discounts or rebates on items or products at importation including all exsiting approved discounts.
Also, the statement notes that the Authority is ensuring that all unreasonableness of discretionary power that will result in the loss of revenue will be prevented.
