We didn't invite EOCO to investigate Mahama's dud cheques – GRA

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) says it has no role in EOCO’s investigations into some dishonoured cheques issued by businessman Ibrahim Mahama.

GRA’s Assistant Commissioner for Communications, Robert Mensah told Joy News Monday the Authority did not trigger the anti-graft agency’s probe into the matter.

He said the Authority has its own internal mechanism that is applied to businesses and business owners who default in their tax-related payments.

Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) logo
EOCO has directed the Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners to pay the amount of GHC12 million owed the state by May 8, 2017.

The amount represents duty for some heavy equipment his company, MBG Ltd. cleared at the Tema Port in 2015.

The GRA said former President John Mahama’s brother issued 44 cheques to offset the debt, but they were dishonoured.

Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama

He was invited by EOCO and reportedly interrogated on the bounced cheques for eight hours. Mr Mahama was released and directed to pay the money with interest.

Some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) massed up at the premises of EOCO to demand the release of the businessman. They claim Mr Mahama is being politically persecuted.

But the GRA official said the Authority is unaware of the issue EOCO is investigating.

He said the Authority has used its internal process right from the first day when the companies defaulted on payment.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected]