In a staggering revelation, over 70 companies are implicated in causing significant financial damage to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), resulting in a loss exceeding 600 million Ghana cedis monthly.
These companies are reportedly exploiting political connections and employing various tax evasion strategies to avoid paying their dues.
Sources close to an investigation have highlighted that these entities frequently misrepresent the nature and quantity of their shipments amongst others resulting in underpayment and nonpayment of government-related taxes.
In an internal probe, some of the companies reportedly linked to some prominent politicians. These firms allegedly manipulated their Bill of Entry (eg: number 41123526965) to evade taxes through the undervaluation of goods.
Another case also has emerged with a company tied to Bill of Entry 411223577610, which reportedly contributed to the financial deficit by failing to properly document its shipments, known as unmanifesting.
In addition to misrepresentation on invoices, some companies have resorted to issuing fake cheques when approached by customs officers.
This fraudulent practice complicates the efforts of authorities to recover the lost revenue.
Further investigations have also uncovered troubling evidence of collusion between certain customs officers and these companies. It appears that some officers have been complicit, supporting these businesses in exchange for personal gain.
More to come…….
