The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has formally expressed its appreciation to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for initiating an investigation into recent allegations of extortion involving some of its officials.
TAGG conveyed its optimism that the Authority will conduct a thorough and transparent probe, leading to appropriate sanctions for those implicated in the alleged misconduct.
During a press conference held this week, David Kwadwo Amoateng, President of the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana, voiced the traders’ significant displeasure regarding the establishment of a specific task force.
Traders view the task force’s primary purpose as ostensibly conducting additional scrutiny on containers that have already been lawfully cleared at various Ghanaian ports.
Mr. Amoateng cited a specific case concerning an officer identified as Prince Daniels Mensah Odai, who is accused of extorting \text{GH}\mathrm{s}\,40,000 from an importer transporting two containers to Kumasi, despite their lawful clearance at Tema.
Following the public discourse, the GRA issued a statement acknowledging the issue and confirming that an investigation has been launched.
Reacting to the GRA’s announcement, David Kwadwo Amoateng commended the move, emphasising the Group’s expectation that the investigation will be conducted with full transparency and that all culpable individuals will be dealt with decisively.
Mr. Amoateng stated: “The GRA’s decision to launch an investigation into this matter is a step in the right direction. We had previously submitted petitions to both the GRA and the Ministry of Finance, and concurrently called for a swift investigation. We are therefore grateful that the GRA has now taken concrete action to address the issue. We cannot permit a few self-serving officials, whose objective is to make quick money, to extort funds from legitimate traders.”
He stressed the need for strict punitive measures: “We expect that all those found to have engaged in wrongdoing must be punished or sanctioned. Such action is essential to serve as a deterrent and to discourage other officials who may perceive Customs as a platform for engaging in extortion.”
The President concluded by reaffirming TAGG’s commitment to justice, stating they possess evidence of the wrongdoing and remain hopeful for a transparent outcome from the GRA’s internal probe.
“We have the evidence of the wrongdoing and are optimistic that the GRA will conduct a transparent probe into the matter. However, if the outcome is not satisfactory, we will pursue legal action and seek redress in court. Our evidence was presented to the journalists who attended the press conference, confirming that these are not mere allegations but substantiated claims.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
