Former Tax Institute President demands comprehensive tax audit of ex-Minister Cecilia Dapaah amid cash discovery
Former President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation Ghana and a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG), Mike Afflu, has submitted a formal petition to the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) urging a comprehensive tax audit into the financial affairs of Cecilia Dapaah, the former Minister for Sanitation.
Mr Afflu’s petition was spurred by the recent discovery of substantial sums of cash in various currencies at the residence of Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah, which has raised significant public concern and sparked questions about the potential tax implications of such unexplained wealth. Given her role within the government, Mr Afflu underscores the need for adherence to all necessary legal procedures and tax laws to uphold transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in the nation.
In his petition, Mr Afflu cites relevant sections of the Revenue Administration Act 2016 (Act 915), emphasizing the GRA’s authority to require individuals to file tax returns, and empowering the Commissioner-General to make pre-emptive assessments of tax liabilities. He highlights that under Ghana’s tax laws, income earned in or received in the country is subject to taxation, including gifts received beyond a certain threshold.
Notably, Mr Afflu points out that while the President of the Republic of Ghana is exempt from paying tax on entitlements, such exemption does not apply to the Vice-President or other income earners in the country.
The former Tax Institute President insists on a comprehensive investigation into the sources of the funds discovered at Cecilia Dapaah’s residence, including a thorough assessment of her tax compliance history during her tenure as a public servant. He stresses the necessity of promptly collecting any taxes owed, if applicable, in accordance with the relevant taxation laws.
Furthermore, Mr Afflu calls for the GRA to maintain transparency and provide regular updates throughout the investigation process to instill public confidence in the integrity and capabilities of the authority.
Mr Afflu firmly believes that addressing this matter diligently will uphold principles of accountability and financial responsibility within the government and society as a whole. The successful resolution of this petition could serve to encourage voluntary tax compliance among Ghanaian citizens.
The Ghana Revenue Authority now faces the task of carefully considering and acting on this high-profile petition, with public expectations for a fair and thorough investigation that promotes transparency and accountability.
