By: Nana Yaa Kyeretwie
The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has examined the audited accounts showing the appropriation of sums granted by Parliament to meet the public expenditure of government as presented to the House by the Auditor- General. Appearing before the committee today was the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Commissioner of domestic tax and revenue division, Eward Apenteng Gyamerah stated that a total of Gh¢879 million cedis is owe by 8 state institutions, which GRA is yet to collect. These institutions include Electricity Company Ghana(ECG), Tema oil refinery, Prestea Sankofa Gold limited, GIHCO distilleries, Ghana airport, Akosombo Textile and Graphic Communications group.
The commissioner indicated these institutions are having financial challenges, and as a result have not been able to redeem their tax liability.
“Mr, chairman in respect to the institutional debt these institution haven’t changed and we are unable to collect anything in spite of our efforts in pursuing these debtors”. He said
He added that there is a pending case at the Court of Appeal between GRA, Airtel- Tigo and Cocoa processing buying company over tax indebtedness.
His statement follows a question asked by MP for Kumawu, Ernest Anim who sought to know the total tax indebtedness owed by state institutions.