COMMENT: Shake up of revenue agencies

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• Abena 12 years ago

  This shake up is long overdue. And whilst doing that there should be shake ups in all other branches of the ministries. It is about time leaders go to the field and see first hand what is going on instead of sitting in their ...
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  This shake up is long overdue. And whilst doing that there should be shake ups in all other branches of the ministries. It is about time leaders go to the field and see first hand what is going on instead of sitting in their offices and hold meetings upon meetings which do not yield any results. Put your meetings into actions in the field; Ghana needs accountability.
  Customs should post taxes/duties in the papers so all we know how much to pay on imports and personal belongings.

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• TerriblY Spe cifiC 12 years ago

  Drawing deep from his “rural bank” experience, witness-in-the-box, Asiedu Nketia has said pink sheets should be likened to “deposits slips”, but not “cheques” as his opposing witness has described.
  
  Dr. Bawumia, ...
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  Drawing deep from his “rural bank” experience, witness-in-the-box, Asiedu Nketia has said pink sheets should be likened to “deposits slips”, but not “cheques” as his opposing witness has described.
  
  Dr. Bawumia, witness for the petitioners under cross-examination claimed that serial numbers on the pink sheets are “like numbers on cheques”.
  
  He alleged that with the rampant duplication of these numbers on pink sheet, “massive irregularities” was perpetrated.
  
  This affected the results of the 2012 presidential elections in favour of President John Mahama, the petitioners claimed.
  
  But continuing with his evidence-in-chief, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Asiedu Nketia, aka “General Mosquito” disagreed with this claim.
  
  “I have never worked in the Bank of Ghana, but I have worked in a rural bank,” he opened his argument.
  
  “Pink sheets cannot be likened in any way to cheques, but …rather deposit slips,” he claimed.
  
  The witness said deposit slips can be used anywhere in a bank’s branch. It has columns for account name and account number which once they have been filled ties the slip to a specific account.
  
  Similarly, he said, a pink sheet can be used at any polling station.
  
  It is only after you have entered a code number and a polling station name on a pink sheet that the results would describe events at the polling station, he noted.
  
  He continued that the “printing of pink sheets are not tracked like the way cheque books are tracked”.
  
  But ballot papers -bearing serial numbers – are tracked to “the last user”. He said a damaged ballot paper is “preserved” by a special procedure, but a soiled pink sheet was not.
  
  His analogy was not finished.

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• Kofi Asamoah 12 years ago

  i agree with you Abena, the whole system is so corrupt, there was a time I imported a certain item and i paid different duties considering the fact that the cedi to the dollar was the same for that two week period. The custom ...
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  i agree with you Abena, the whole system is so corrupt, there was a time I imported a certain item and i paid different duties considering the fact that the cedi to the dollar was the same for that two week period. The custom officer can give you any duty he likes, so you have to grease him very well to even give the correct government value or you gonna pay in excess to the revenue agencies. So the bottom line is who don't want to save on customs duties. When the government tries to hide things from the taxpayer he ends up loosing more revenue. I think its time the importer or the taxpayer should have access to taxes and levies on a Ghana Government website in order to inform the importer on how much duty he is paying. Even if the Government brings in special task force from The Flagstaff house it won't work.

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• Gye Nyame 12 years ago

  The rot is all over the place, it is high time the right mechanisms are put in place to safeguard Ghana’s revenue. Instead of the constant increase in duties and excise taxes which affects production bottom lines, we should ...
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  The rot is all over the place, it is high time the right mechanisms are put in place to safeguard Ghana’s revenue. Instead of the constant increase in duties and excise taxes which affects production bottom lines, we should make sure the collected taxes/fines get to their right destinations. In addition we need to check corruption and malfeasance in government so that revenues are not unduly squandered. Well, but coming from Ayariga this may be all talk.

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• Vuvuzela 12 years ago

  You bet, Abena!
  
  Exactly what we need, want, but until the actions start with palpating momentum don't expect much, as this could turn out being another errant "braying" or hot vapor that soon dissipates.

  You bet, Abena!
  
  Exactly what we need, want, but until the actions start with palpating momentum don't expect much, as this could turn out being another errant "braying" or hot vapor that soon dissipates.

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• Remove Indemnity Clause 12 years ago

  This is a waste of time.The government herself is corrupt and so cleaning of this corruption should start from the government, then to custom officers and the police departments.

  This is a waste of time.The government herself is corrupt and so cleaning of this corruption should start from the government, then to custom officers and the police departments.

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• Alabama 12 years ago

  Please read Abena's post and learn to be a smart person. Contribute wisely to a good course your contry. If it happens that the agency is shaken up is it not a start?
  thanks

  Please read Abena's post and learn to be a smart person. Contribute wisely to a good course your contry. If it happens that the agency is shaken up is it not a start?
  thanks

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• Remove Indemnity Clause 12 years ago

  I think you have been out of the country for a long time,nothing works in Ghana.I am not dummy like you.The duties on importations were enacted since 1992 and they have never reviewed them Abena is just expressing her ideas l ...
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  I think you have been out of the country for a long time,nothing works in Ghana.I am not dummy like you.The duties on importations were enacted since 1992 and they have never reviewed them Abena is just expressing her ideas like everybody here .No government official is even reading what we post here.Ghanaians leaders are just in power to grab money.

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• Kojo T 12 years ago

  This is a well written article. Powers that be should take note

  This is a well written article. Powers that be should take note

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• Alabama 12 years ago

  Kojo T,
  this could fly if the author adds how private partnerships can bring this to bear buy collaborting with Government to speed up internet access which will help in these service delivery that the author touched on. It ...
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  Kojo T,
  this could fly if the author adds how private partnerships can bring this to bear buy collaborting with Government to speed up internet access which will help in these service delivery that the author touched on. It starts from the birth of an infant and if the very remote regions how are we doing that. Or your first driving document, still it can come from when you are enrolled in your first schooling so you see it is a long road but I agree it has to start from somewhere.

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• JAYTEE 12 years ago

  Our country can do better if we all stick together and stand by whats right. Am sick and tired of people blaming the government almost every day. The worse people to be blame is some of us. If we can stand the truth and work ...
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  Our country can do better if we all stick together and stand by whats right. Am sick and tired of people blaming the government almost every day. The worse people to be blame is some of us. If we can stand the truth and work harder, we can make our nation great and strong. How can small countries elsewhere use their task payers money to grant us loan and as big as Ghana we can fend for our ownselves. Corruption has filled our minds and heart. It was bad seeing our every one at the port esp. Small Tarkoradi, where i visit just few days ago. From security men at the gate to wherever, even the highest where taking monies one will wonder why. Funny enough agents had to pay cux thats the only way they could not be delaid and can get their goods cleared. Whta is all this.. Government themselves must be serious and must get raid of corruption among themselves before they try the ordinary man. We can do it.. we cn't eliminate it completely but we can save the situation to a point./... This what is needed of us. Government must be serious and get those unserious guys off from there and we as a nation must try and support the right things, it doesnt matter were we belong to, we are in this country and the increase in anything will affect us one way or the other, so lets stand by it....

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• Alabama 12 years ago

  thank you Jaytee, yesterday at a get together some of us got into these same arguments about who to blame. Though we can blame Government as much as we can, as you said if the rest of us decides to do the right thing we can t ...
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  thank you Jaytee, yesterday at a get together some of us got into these same arguments about who to blame. Though we can blame Government as much as we can, as you said if the rest of us decides to do the right thing we can then authoritatively hold the Government accountable.
  Let us form a coalition doing it right and not just for demo.

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• Vuvuzela 12 years ago

  The government takes the fatter share of the blames for inaction but it is very corrupt.
  
  And the people in the government are "US" (objective pronoun, first person plural).

  The government takes the fatter share of the blames for inaction but it is very corrupt.
  
  And the people in the government are "US" (objective pronoun, first person plural).

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• Nell - Professional in the US 12 years ago

  This is a brilliant obeservation coupled with thorough research and great suggestons for solution. Well done done! Thank you

  This is a brilliant obeservation coupled with thorough research and great suggestons for solution. Well done done! Thank you

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• Alabama 12 years ago

  Nell,
  Next this is to implement. Let us as you said Professinals in the US form partnership with some venture capital and go home to start registration of people into a data base, If Government is saying they need private pa ...
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  Nell,
  Next this is to implement. Let us as you said Professinals in the US form partnership with some venture capital and go home to start registration of people into a data base, If Government is saying they need private partnership what are we waiting for and complaining.

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• Osofo 12 years ago

  Somebody answer me. Is it true that Ghana has the highest import duty tariffs in Africa?

  Somebody answer me. Is it true that Ghana has the highest import duty tariffs in Africa?

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• Asitis 12 years ago

  What do you expect when you see square pegs in round holes in GRA, CAGD among others. For instance, a minster can just say he can't work with so and so ACCOUNTANT, simply because the officer adheres to the rules and ethics o ...
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  What do you expect when you see square pegs in round holes in GRA, CAGD among others. For instance, a minster can just say he can't work with so and so ACCOUNTANT, simply because the officer adheres to the rules and ethics of his profession. The next moment he is removed. So the qualified accountants who can deliver are an endangered specie. Please let the institutions and structure work and all will see the difference.

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• DRAMANI MAHAMA 12 years ago

  ONE MOST STUPID ONE IN GHANA IS Terribly Spe cifiC NO BRAIN IDIOT.

  ONE MOST STUPID ONE IN GHANA IS Terribly Spe cifiC NO BRAIN IDIOT.

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• Mustapha iddris 12 years ago

  It must be noted that for more than a decade now, Customs does not collect monies directly from clients, all payments are made to selected banks participating in the GCnet/GCMS.
  Customs officials come in after Agents clearin ...
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  It must be noted that for more than a decade now, Customs does not collect monies directly from clients, all payments are made to selected banks participating in the GCnet/GCMS.
  Customs officials come in after Agents clearing goods on behalf of clients present their documents with payments before those documents are dealt with.
  This way, can Customs officials be labelled as corrupt when they do not come into contact with cash?

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• Zip Up 12 years ago

  Whooooo whoo! Custom,Excise and Preventive Service the most Corrupt Fabric Of Our Soceity Can this Government do any thing about them, Please Mahama The Mancho if your Government is able to cure this corrupt Mountain Haverest ...
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  Whooooo whoo! Custom,Excise and Preventive Service the most Corrupt Fabric Of Our Soceity Can this Government do any thing about them, Please Mahama The Mancho if your Government is able to cure this corrupt Mountain Haverest (CEPS)The Monument Of You and Each Member Of Your Government Will Be Elected Gold Plated All Over Ghana, Ester Ester We All know About It.Good Luck Minster Of Information And Media Relations Honrable Ayariga, tough Guy

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• Proud Pepeman. 12 years ago

  Ayariga himself doesn't want our system to work. When there was a case brought up at the vetting of the deputy Upper West minister about possible corruption, Ayariga insisted that the guy should not be questioned about the al ...
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  Ayariga himself doesn't want our system to work. When there was a case brought up at the vetting of the deputy Upper West minister about possible corruption, Ayariga insisted that the guy should not be questioned about the allegations as he thought it would mean anyone can bring same against prospective ministers. Why did he say the issues will be investigated? He is himself corrupt that is why. As the writer says, plug the leak before you thing of employing more hands to fill.

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• EZEKIEL 12 years ago

  WE WANT to see white-collar THIEVES behind bars and NOT JUST SACKING THEM!!
  The President should go as if there were NO TOMORROW !
  I have a feeling AFTER the SC declres IN FAVOUR of the Gov't, well SEE the PROGRAMME of Maha ...
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  WE WANT to see white-collar THIEVES behind bars and NOT JUST SACKING THEM!!
  The President should go as if there were NO TOMORROW !
  I have a feeling AFTER the SC declres IN FAVOUR of the Gov't, well SEE the PROGRAMME of Mahama!!!Go Mahama Go !!!

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• MARCUS AMPADU 12 years ago

  Computerize everything. Why not?

  Computerize everything. Why not?

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• Sankofa 12 years ago

  Computerising systems is a first step.
  
  However, even computer systems can be abused. It is necessary to put in place systems of checks and audits to ensure accountability and probity.
  
  The problems raised in the Audit re ...
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  Computerising systems is a first step.
  
  However, even computer systems can be abused. It is necessary to put in place systems of checks and audits to ensure accountability and probity.
  
  The problems raised in the Audit reports must be addressed immediately.
  
  We should set up a unit to deal with public funds invested in the private sector, government share-holdings. The GRA must revamp its systems to maximise revenue collection. This is vital to boost state coffers and balance our budget.

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• okofo 12 years ago

  Idiots in gov't: Don't threaten to FIRE corrupt officials, just go ahead and fire them Aba!! What kind of inferiority complex attitude is that?
  
  Start with the IMMIGRATION, then CUSTOMS, then POLICE...
  
  Pres. Mahama, get ...
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  Idiots in gov't: Don't threaten to FIRE corrupt officials, just go ahead and fire them Aba!! What kind of inferiority complex attitude is that?
  
  Start with the IMMIGRATION, then CUSTOMS, then POLICE...
  
  Pres. Mahama, get these illegal Chinese OUT or you'll GO!!! Don't act STUPID Mahama!!!

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• B. Ghanattah 12 years ago

  I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER. IN OTHER WORDS THEY ARE IGNORING THE LOG IN THEIR EYES TO FISH FOR THE SPECK IN THE EYE OF THE MASSES. CORRUPTION IS IN THEIR HOUSES ONLY TO IGNORE DUE TO THEIR BUDDY BUDDY SYSTEM . BUT THEY WI ...
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  I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER. IN OTHER WORDS THEY ARE IGNORING THE LOG IN THEIR EYES TO FISH FOR THE SPECK IN THE EYE OF THE MASSES. CORRUPTION IS IN THEIR HOUSES ONLY TO IGNORE DUE TO THEIR BUDDY BUDDY SYSTEM . BUT THEY WILL ROB US AS USUAL DAILY. LOOK AT THE PORTS FOR INSTANCE AND THE EXTORTION THAT GOES THERE. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LIVED IN THE DIASPORA, YOU ARE A RIPE VICTIM FOR PICKING. ALL THE FEES AND CHARGES THEY THROW AT YOU.THEN THE CLEARING AGENT ASLO RIPS YOU OFF. THE SCAM IS PART OF THE CULTURE. GHANA IS A POWDER KEG WAITING TO HAPPEN. THIEVES ABOUND EVERYWHERE.

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• Hazor 12 years ago

  The major shake up at the revenue agencies is the Mahama first coup detat working to park only inferior northners who has free education at the top so that the can steal big.He took 200 Northners to study medicine in Cuba.

  The major shake up at the revenue agencies is the Mahama first coup detat working to park only inferior northners who has free education at the top so that the can steal big.He took 200 Northners to study medicine in Cuba.

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