Corruption Watch Ghana Pats OSP For Retrieving GHC1M From Labianca

Corruption Watch Ghana, a Civil Society Organisation, has patted the shoulders of the Office of the Special Prosecutor for the successful work done in the case of Labianca Company Limited.

The anti-corruption group notes that “the OSP’s action fulfils one of its core functions, which is the recovery and management of the proceeds of corruption and corruption-related offences”.

It also welcomed the OSP’s directive to open up a wider investigation into the case.

The OSP announced on August 8, 2022, that it had retrieved an amount of GHC1,074,627.15 from Labianca Company Limited, a company into the importation of frozen chicken parts, fish, pork, and fries primarily from Europe and the United States of America, owned by a Council of State member who is also a member of the Board of Directors of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ms. Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinneh.

The amount, the OSP indicated, represents a shortfall in revenue arising from the issuance of an “unlawful customs advance ruling to Labianca by the Deputy Commissioner for Customs in charge of operations, Mr. Joseph Adu Kyei”.

According to the findings of the OSP, there is strong evidence of influence peddling by Labianca in securing the markdown of 10%-15% benchmark values for its imports.

The findings of the OSP have however been disputed by the Commissioner of Operations at the Customs Division of the GRA, Col Kwadwo Damoah who says the report of the OSP seeks to indict him and his deputy.

Col Damoah stated that the report of the OSP does not hold substance describing it as “hollow”.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini