Presidential taskforce recovers GH¢60,000 at Tema Port

Government says more than GH¢60,000 has been recovered by the “Special Operations Unit” constituted by President John Mahama, to plug revenue loopholes at the ports.

The figure is said to be collections made from the Tema Port alone, which is one of the many routes through which goods enter the country.

The presidential taskforce has been mandated to block leakages at the various entry points to the country and to shore up government revenue generation.

Addressing journalists at the Flagstaff House on Monday, June 24, 2013, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Deputy Information and Media Relations Minister was optimistic that all the loopholes would be sealed by the time the taskforce is done with its operations.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said the taskforce has also identified some 30 companies at the Tema Port, whose illegal activities have contributed to the huge loss of revenue to the State.

He said some revenue collectors have also been arrested and are being dealt with according to the law.

However, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu has appealed to the youth at Ashaiman to exercise restraint, as they protest the lack of development projects in the area.

Irate youth of the municipality early Monday went on rampage, blocked major routes to and from the area and burnt tyres to register their grievance.

They were also reported to have ceased the tollbooth at the Ashaiman end on the Tema-Accra motorway, looting cash and other valuables.

But the deputy minister said even though government appreciates their concern, engaging in acts that will disturb the peace in the area will not serve their interest.