“The only logic in the appointment of Mr. Kwame Owusu to the Board of GRA, we believe is to dip his tainted hands into the revenue collection agency for his boss.”
That is according to diasporan group, NDC Professionals Forum North America who are shocked at the appointment of the former Chief Executive of Ghana Maritime as the new board Chair of the institution responsible for the collection and management of revenue in Ghana.
Deputy Information Minister Pius Hadzide has been defending the appointment of Kwame Owusu as the new Board Chairman of the Ghana Revenue Authority in response to the intense barrage of public condemnation that President Akufo-Addo has come under.
According to Pius Hadzide, Mr. Owusus was appointed because of his excellent track record in his previous position at the Ghana Maritime Authority.
The NDC Proforum-North America in a statement signed by its President Arnold Appiah says the appointment only points to a plot by President Akufo-Addo to use Kwame Owusu as a pawn to steal from the public purse.
The group is surprised that the President would appoint someone under investigation for conflict of interest and misappropriation of funds to head Ghana’s tax authority and are demanding the publication of the investigative report exonerating him of allegations of the two allegations.
“As if Ghanaians are not smart enough, Mr. Kwame Owusu is being planted at the Ghana Revenue Authority based on his exploits at the Ghana Maritime Authority which has not been resolved.”
“It is bizarre that a man Ghanaians have entrusted their wellbeing to as President would appoint someone who stands accused and is shamelessly defending dubious and wasteful disbursement amounting to over GH₵ 1,045,000 for an end of year party for staff at his own hotel and renovation of his official two-bedroom apartment fitted with eleven (11) air conditioners for his comfort,” they stated.
The diasporan group fears the appointment will impact negatively on Ghana’s global image as far as the fight against corruption is concerned and further damage Ghana’s chances of accessing donor support.
“Mr. Owusu’s appointment is yet another dent on Ghana’s image and the perception of corruption in government circles.”
“This is not a good picture for bilateral donors who are committed to the social democratic ideals of alleviating the hardships of Ghanaians,” they stated.
Story by: Sena Nombo/Radiogoldlive.com
