The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has recovered GH¢1.074 million from Labianca Company Limited, owned by Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinneh, a member of the Council of State.
The sum indicates a deficiency in import tariffs paid to the state by the frozen food industry.
In an investigative report seen by Graphic Online, the OSP accused Ms. Asomah-Hinneh of influence-peddling for allegedly using her position as a member of the Council of State and member of the Board of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to obtain a favorable decision from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which resulted in a reduction in the tax liabilities of Labianca Limited.
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Influence peddling
Influence-peddling or influence-trading is a kind of corruption in which a person utilizes his or her position or political influence to get unearned benefits or favours.
The OSP chastised Joseph Adu Kyei, the Deputy Commissioner of Customs for Operations, for releasing what it deemed to be improper customs documents.
Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson of Graphic Online says that an early decision cut the benchmark prices of frozen items imported by Labianca Limited, consequently decreasing the company’s tax liabilities to the state.
“The OSP finds that there is strong evidence to suggest that Mr Kyei’s decision to issue a customs advance ruling for the applicant was procured
Kissi Agyebeng’s report indicated that Ms. Asomah-Hinneh engaged in influence peddling or influence trading by using her position as a member of the Council of State and member of the Board of Directors of the GPHA.
The investigative report, dated August 3, 2022, is titled: “Report of Investigation into Alleged Commission of Corruption and Corruption Related Offences involving Labianca Group of Companies and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
SOURCE: GRAPHIC ONLINE
