'Show the records' – Boatey challenges former GPCL boss to account for GH¢22m VAT debt

The Managing Director of Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL), Nana Kwasi Boatey, has challenged former Managing Director David Asante Boateng to provide documentary evidence to support his claims regarding the achievements and financial position of the company.

He said that recent public comments by Boateng disputing his stewardship and allegedly seeking credit for some of the achievements recorded under his administration had made it necessary for him to clarify the issues and set the records straight.

In a statement sighted by GhanaWeb on November 6, 2026, Boatey said that he would not engage in personal attacks but would rather rely on verifiable records to address the concerns raised.

“I will not respond to insults with insults. I will set out the facts, invite correction where evidence supports it, and leave the records to speak,” he stated.

Boatey explained that he made the disputed claims during his presentation at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency on Monday, November 2, 2026, where he accounted for the company's performance over the past 18 months.

Among the achievements he outlined were the introduction of a three-shift system under the 24-hour economy initiative, the establishment of a teller arrangement with Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) to ensure that company funds are deposited into the bank, and the establishment of a modern Digital Press Centre.

He also cited the acquisition of three new vehicles, comprising a Land Cruiser V6 and two Jetour Dashing vehicles, as well as a 550KVA power generating plant.

According to him, GPCL has also secured a €1.5 million investment to retool its production line and establish a security press.

Ghana Publishing Company records GH¢16.9 million profit in 2025

On the company's financial performance, Boatey said the Auditor-General's 2025 financial statements showed that GPCL recorded a profit after tax of GH¢16.9 million, compared with GH¢2.4 million in 2024.

He further mentioned the establishment of Quality Control, Sales and Marketing, and Legal departments, alongside improvements in staff remuneration, including a 40 per cent increase in basic salaries in 2025.

However, Boatey identified a GH¢22 million outstanding Value Added Tax (VAT) liability as one of the company's major challenges, saying the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) had recently written to GPCL demanding payment of the amount covering the period from 2020 to 2024.

In challenging Boateng to address the issues, Boatey raised questions about the company's financial position when the former managing director handed over in February 2024.

He asked Boateng to confirm the bank balance at the time of the handover and whether salaries were being paid through a bank overdraft.

He also questioned the former managing director about the company's VAT records, particularly whether VAT payments in 2020 and 2024 were recorded as zero cedis.

Boatey further sought clarification on the history of a Land Cruiser inherited by the company in 2017, claiming that it was acquired by a former managing director, David Dzereke, alongside a Coaster bus and three Hyundai i10 vehicles.

He questioned whether the Land Cruiser was damaged beyond repair before the 2024 handover, whether its insurance had remained unpaid, and whether GPCL consequently lost the vehicle.

We are running shifts to deliver faster – Boatey

Beyond the financial and asset-related issues, Boatey challenged Boateng to identify which of the ten achievements he presented were inaccurate or unsupported by company records.

He also asked the former managing director to provide documentary evidence showing which of the achievements resulted from actions taken during his tenure.

“These are not rhetorical questions. They are matters capable of documentary verification,” he stressed.

Boatey said he was prepared to make available relevant documents, including the GRA letter, the Auditor-General's 2025 financial statements, handover records, bank statements, asset records, insurance records and payroll approvals, to any independent person seeking to verify the claims.

He added that he was willing to correct any factual inaccuracies established through an independent examination of the records.

“I have no interest in a Facebook exchange. I have a job to do, and when I leave I want my deeds to speak for me,” he stated.

Boatey maintained that public office should be characterised by accountability and transparency, arguing that political discourse should focus on verifiable records and achievements rather than personal attacks.

“Politics should be a contest of ideas and records, not personalities. Let us respect the people of Ghana, to whom we are all obligated to account for our stewardship,” he added.

MRA/BAI

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