SIMbox fraud bust: SUBAH role must be clearly defined - Kweku Baako

Editor in Chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Kweku Baako has called for a proper clarification in the role played by SUBAH Infosolutions in the arrest of some 17 suspects in connection with SIMbox fraud.

According to him, the notion that SUBAH are the ones solely responsible for the bust is inappropriate and does not auger well for the other institutions who assisted in the operation.

Speaking on Peace FMs' morning show 'Kokrokoo', the veteran journalist said, “the telcos also played a role; it was a collective network – a corporate strategy. SUBAH just appeared to have the equipment which helped in the bust.”

He said even though the role SUBAH played cannot be underestimated, it should not overshadow the contributions of other institutions.

Former president of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), Dr Alexander Tweneboah together with some other people were last Monday arrested for sponsoring the activities of SIMbox fraudsters.

Dr Tweneboah has admitted committing the crime and owning the equipment used in the illegal activities.

In the wake of the bust, Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper has called on Ghanaians to applaud SUBAH Infosolutions for their role, one he deemed crucial to the bust. But others have chastised it for using the operation as a PR gimmick to save its face after it failed to execute a contract given to it by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The company, which is also a subsidiary of Zoomlion Ghana Ltd, was contracted in 2010 by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to provide telecommunication traffic monitoring and is reported to have been paid a sum of GHȻ144 million over the period for doing little or no work.

The company was expected to monitor and verify the volume of calls generated by telecom companies for tax purposes but could not fully carry out its task – for which it was paid.

It blamed its inability to effectively satisfy the terms of the contract on the telecommunication companies unwillingness to allow it undertake its task.

Baako said government must give the public information on the current status of the SUBAH contract. This way, people will be convinced about what they are doing.

“Let the people see the positive things that are happening” he pointed out. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Naa Sakwaba Akwa | [email protected]