Investigate GRA board rot – Vitus Azeem to government

Anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem has called for an immediate investigation into allegations of malfeasance within the board of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Reports suggest the acting board chairperson of the GRA has rented her facilities to the authority at an astronomical fees.

Ms. Adelaide Ahwireng has allegedly rented two of her properties as offices for the revenue collecting agency at an amount of GH¢1.4million for 5 years.

The structure involved is located at Agbogbloshie in South Industrial Area. The acting board chairperson is charging Ghana Revenue Authority GH¢49,035.16 as monthly rent [which translates into an annual charge of GH¢588,421.92] and annual GH¢117,765.24 for maintenance.

In another agreement, the GRA is paying GH¢50,400.00 monthly [which translates into GH¢604,800.00 annually] and a further GH¢120,000.00 as Maintenance.

Speaking to Francis Abban on the Morning Starr Tuesday, the Azeem described the development as sad.

” It’s really sad that such a thing is happening at the GRA. And this is not the first time we hearing things of this nature. The staff of GRA complains of not being adequately remunerated meanwhile some board members are taking lots of money in the name of rent. A prompt investigation should be done and the contract abrogated,” he said.

Also commenting on the matter, Isaac Kyei Andoh, Member-Movement on Truth and Accountability said the rot at GRA is overwhelming.

“There is a lot wrong with the deal. How can a landlady demand Ghc10,000 maintenance fee?. GRA is central to the realization of our vision as a nation and so we want an immediate action on this issue. There’s more coming on GRA involving Madam Adelaide Assrem who is an Acting Board Member of the GRA”.