The Deputy Commissioner, Ethics and Good Governance of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Seidu Iddrisu Iddisah, has rubbished claims linking his boss, Colonel Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd) and Joseph Adu-Kyei, Deputy Commissioner, Operations, to supposed tax evasion deals involving two cargo trucks loaded with goods from Aflao in the Volta Region last year.
According to him, he believed the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) gave the National Security wrong information concerning the two trucks.
A letter in circulation in certain quarters of the media and signed by the then Deputy National Security Coordinator, Edward Asomani, urged the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, to investigate the aforementioned deals.
According to the letter, dated Thursday, October 21, 2021, a Customs intelligence team led by John Agbawu, with assistance from operatives of the NIB, intercepted the two cargo trucks at Dzorwulu, near the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra.
The cargo trucks were suspected to have under-declared and misdescribed their goods at the Aflao border.
Upon arrest, the trucks with registration numbers GW 6957-13 and GT 8502-16 were escorted to the Customs Laboratory Division at the Kotoka International Airport Roundabout for re-examination.
“It was revealed, after the re-examination, that a substantial number of the goods in the trucks were undeclared and thus, no duties were paid on same,” the letter said.
But during the interrogation, the traders were said to be discourteous towards the officers, with one allegedly placing a call to Colonel (Rtd) Kwadwo Damoah.
Immediately, there was a call to Mr. Agbawu from one Kojo Bonsu, who is said to be a Staff Officer of the Commissioner.
“Further, Agbawu received another call from Adu-Kyei, Deputy Commissioner of Operations, CD-GRA, who also gave similar instructions.
“Additionally, the trader who placed the call to Col. Damoah recorded the arresting officers on video, to be forwarded to him,” it added.
The letter, signed by Mr. Asomani, who now acts as the National Security Coordinator, urged the GRA Commissioner-General to investigate the matter and report back to the ministry.
“Your outfit is further urged to take necessary steps to prevent senior officials from undermining the work of customs officers at the various custom checkpoints across the country,” it said.
However, a minute, on a memo document signed by Seidu Iddrisu Iddanisah, Deputy Commissioner, Ethics and Good Governance of GRA, as part of the investigation into matter sighted by DAILY GUIDE, stated that “I forward attached the report from the operation and a memo from the A/C Intel on the operation. I believe the National Security got their report from the BNI officer who assisted in the interception of the goods.
“I, therefore, believe they gave the wrong information to the National Security Officers.”
Already, Mr. Adu-Kyei, has denied any knowledge about the supposed tax evasion at the Aflao border.
He has, therefore, called for an urgent independent team to investigate the matter for the perpetrators to be brought to book.
A memo signed by Mr. Adu-Kyei to the Commissioner-General, sighted by DAILY GUIDE stated that, “My name has been heavily soiled when I do not know anything about the false allegation. I have given my comments to the Commissioner, Customs Division, to set up any independent investigation committee to investigate the truth and those behind the Machiavellian machinations be brought to book,” he said.
He denied knowing the supposed driver in the matter by name John Agbawu, neither did he know the supposed taskforce.
“I do not know the taskforce and do not know John Agbawu, a common driver who was once sacked and re-instated, neither do I have his contact or called him.
“What an impudence to call a junior rank officer, John Agbawu, to do something I myself will never attempt to do if it is against my professional ethics and conduct.
“In my candid opinion, I have been traumatised by this defamation. I call for urgent independent investigation committee to prove my innocence and my name,” he appealed.
Whilst calling for an independent investigation, Mr. Adu-Kyei is demanding for compensation for defamation for the pain caused, stress and mental torture as a result of the allegation, when he is exonerated.
“If nothing is done, I shall consult my lawyers and sue John Agbawu, boss and the National Security who signed the report to you,” he categorically stated.
He alleged that some people within the Customs Intelligence Team are conniving with John Agbawu to tarnish his image.
Meanwhile, the matter, which is currently under investigation, has no connection with Colonel Damoah, contrary to reports carried in a section of the media.
The woman who is said to have placed the call, when DAILY GUIDE contacted her yesterday, said she never mentioned Col Damoah’s name, neither did she mention Adu-Kyei’s name.
