OSP Retrieves GHC1 Million From Council Of State Member’s Company Over Foul Play

Labianca Company Limited, a company “owned and controlled” 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, has paid an amount of GHC1,074,627.15 to the Asset Recovery Account of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

The payment came after the Office of the Special Prosecutor found Ms. Asomah-Hinneh used her positions to redeem for her company a markdown of benchmark values.

The amount was paid by the company on March 31, 2022, after the OSP issued an interim directive to Labianca Company Limited to pay the amount.

The amount represents a shortfall of 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.

The directive was issued after the OSP faulted Labianca Company and its CEO, Ms. Asamoah-Hinneh following a written complaint from one Frank Asare on November 16, 2021, against Labianca Group of Companies and its subsidiary companies.

The OSP in its investigations found a strong evidence that suggests influence peddling, in that the 5% – 10% markdown in benchmark values granted to Labianca was “wrongful and unsupported by the requirements of the law…Mr. Adu Kyei wilfully put aside the law by embarking on his own predilections”.

The OSP in its investigations engaged Deputy Commissioner for Customs, Mr. Joseph Adu Kyei, ACP/Mr. Edmond Omari, ACP/Mr. Samuel Tetteh, both Customs Officers, Ms. Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinneh, Mr. Etse Gadegbeku, the Managing Director of Labianca, The Commissioner for Customs, Colonel (Rtd.) Kwadwo Damoah.

Labianca imports frozen chicken parts, fish, pork, and fries monthly primarily from Europe and the United States of America.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini