News:
April 15, 2011
The Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South, Stephen Balado Manu, is demanding investigations into reports of some ministers and other high ranking government officials evading taxes while others refuse to be searched at the Kotoka International Airport.
He says the allegation must not be glossed over by government but thoroughly investigated and the culprits brought to book.
There have been several reports in the past of some ‘’big shots’’ in the ruling government refusing to pay taxes on goods they have imported at the various ports while others have declined to be searched by Immigration officers at the Airport.
The Ghanaian Times newspaper reported on Wednesday that the arrival hall of the Kotoka International Airport has of late witnessed what appears to be confrontation between some government officials and staff of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service ( CEPS).
The paper said, the story was worse with those using diplomatic passports who flatly refused to be searched or pay any duty and insisted on being given baggage concessions.
This action clearly contravenes President Mills’ directive that all government officials must subject themselves to search at the airport whenever they travel.
Contributing to a panel discussion on e.tv Friday 15th April, the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South, Stephen Balado Manu, stated that President Attah Mills should demonstrate how principled he is by conducting a full scale investigations into the report.
‘’ It is not enough for President Mills to subject himself to a body search at the airport in the full glare of the public, while his directive is flouted with impunity by his own appointees’’ he said.
He noted that President Mills’ directive has previously been disobeyed by his employees including his directive that his appointees declare their assets, “the President must be tough on his appointees and ensure that they don’t go contrary to his instructions” Hon Balado Manu said.
Story by: Kwadwo Anim/ghanamps.gov.gh