Col. Damoah (rtd) cited in another excise scandal

Ray Charles Marfo August 23, 2022

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An investigation was or is being carried out over tax evasion deals involving two cargo trucks loaded goods from the Aflao border in the Volta Region last year.

A letter sighted by 3news.com and signed by then-Deputy National Security Coordinator Edward Asomani urged the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, to investigate the deals.

According to the letter, dated Thursday, October 21, 2021, a Customs Intelligence team led by John Agbawu with assistance from operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), intercepted the two cargo trucks at Dzorwulu, near the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra.

The cargo trucks were suspected of having 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 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, the Commissioner of Customs of GRA.

Immediately, there was a call to Mr Agbawu from one Kojo Bonsu, 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.”

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.”