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Management of Labianca Company Limited has debunked claims that its Chief Executive, Mrs. Asomah-Hinneh, used influence peddling to win a customs advance ruling for the company.
According to the company they are saddened by the recent and subsequent media discussions of the report from the Special Prosecutor that cited its CEO to be engaged in alleged corruption-related activities.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor accused Madam Asomah-Hinneh who is a member of the Council of State, in its report of influence peddling.
But in a statement, management of Labianca responded that “we deny that the company and its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Asomah-Hinneh, procured customs advance ruling through “influence peddling or trading of influence.”
Management stressed that they have been tax compliant and have discharged all their obligations dutifully.
They further hinted on a possible court action noting that they have “instructed our lawyers to take the necessary action on this matter.”
Similarly, President of the Chamber of Freights and Trade absolved both the company and its CEO of any wrong-doing in an interview on Angel FM’s Anopa Bofo Morning Show on August 11, 2022.
According to Mr. Dennis Amfo Sefa, both Labianca Company and the Customs Division of GRA acted within the confines of the law.
OSP Report is at Variance with Events – Labianca Company Limited
Management of La Bianca Company Limited is saddened to learn of the recent publication of the alleged report by the Office of Special Prosecutor regarding the activities of the company and its subsequent discussions in the media.
Although the Office of the Special Prosecutor has not written formally to the company on its findings as required by due process and fair “trial” rules, we believe that the report findings are at variance with our recollection of events and submissions made to the office.
We deny that the company and its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Asomah-Hinneh, procured customs advance ruling through “influence peddling or trading of influence”.
We take the findings of the Office of the Special Prosecutor seriously and have consequently instructed our lawyers to take the necessary action on this matter.
Over the years, the company has, in accordance with due process, applied for customs advance rulings under the Customs Act 2015 (Act 891). Indeed, over the years, the company has been tax compliant and has discharged all its obligations dutifully. Due to the nature of the operations of importers like us, the Ghana Revenue Authority, per Act 891, conducts periodic post clearance audits to determine possible undervaluation or overpayments of taxes.
Consequently, the assumption of jurisdiction by the Office of the Special Prosecutor on such post clearance audit and our settlement of such taxes arising from such an audit is not synonymous with corruption and or corruption-related activities by the company. The several communications between the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the company confirm this.
As importers of quality frozen foods, we will always comply with the laws of Ghana.
We are committed to contributing our quota to national development by investing right in our cold store infrastructure, and value chain, creating jobs, and paying taxes.
