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The embattled Colonel Kwadwo Damoah (rtd) who was instructed by President Akufo-Addo to resign following the expiration of his contract, has indicated that he is cooperating with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in the ongoing investigations.
The boss of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is on the dockets of the OSP for allegedly reducing the benchmark values for goods imported by a Council of State member, Madam Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinneh.
The reduction in the benchmark values for Labianca Group of Companies Limited, Madam Asomah-Hinneh’s company, translated into reduced tax obligations of the firm to the state which is contrary to laws regulating the sector.
That aside, he is also indicted for the auctioning of some vehicles and other goods belonging to the GRA.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic prior to the President’s directive for the Commissioner to hand over his office to his deputy, Col Damoah said he has always availed himself to the office of the Special Prosecutor for the investigations.
“I have been cooperating fully with the OSP. I responded to an OSP invitation on February 16 this year in connection with the Labianca issue.
“Currently, the office has asked us to produce all documents related to the granting of discounts by September 30.
“Additionally, the OSP has directed that we produce documents on auctions by the same September 30. We are gathering all the documents in order to meet the deadline given,” he said.
Col Damoah also expressed his conviction that all works undertaken by his office were within the stipulated rules hence he has no issues with the investigations.
“The Special Prosecutor has the right to investigate, but I am confident that at the end of the day, the truth will stand and my integrity will remain intact. I have not contravened any laws of the land and, therefore, I have nothing to fear.”
Meanwhile, there have been reactions to the development on social media, particularly Twitter.
Col Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd), who has been removed from office as Ghana Revenue Authority Commissioner by the President, is also a member of the Black Stars Management Committee.
I don’t know what will become of that role but we may likely see a new face replace him. Dr Randy Abbey? pic.twitter.com/xmN5RidCAC
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) August 29, 2022
So Col. Damoah has been at post as Commissioner of Customs illegally for 10 months? What haphazard governance is this? Some are given questionable, unjustified and scandalous contracts and contract extensions, others are allowed to stay on with expired contracts? pic.twitter.com/yS2KjzIwFx
— Dr. Clement Abas Apaak (@DrApaak) August 29, 2022
Good to read that the commissioner of GRA Customs, Col. Damoah has been sacked by @NAkufoAddo Now, I hope the investigations by the special Prosecutor doesn't end right there.
— Ebenezer Donkoh (NY DJ) (@nydjlive) August 29, 2022
The decision of the president to extend the contract of deputy director of education and the decision of the same president to dismissed col. Damoah's contract as commissioner of customs (GRA) is pure hatred and unfounded allegations. pic.twitter.com/u08hAyYJXP
— NANA KWAME DESPITE. (@OSEIKWA85152909) August 29, 2022
COMBATING FRAUD and CORRUPTION OR SCAPEGOAT SHENANIGANS?
Corruption is among the greatest obstacles to economic and social development in Ghana. Did Col. Damoah deserve to be sacked whilst the member of Council of State at the heart of the Labianca Scandal walks free? pic.twitter.com/RaiNmeANfa— Gems Diaspora Organisation (@GemsDiaspora) August 29, 2022
