The NPP Ashanti caucus in parliament has descended heavily on Samuel Sarpong, head of SFO in Kumasi for alleged harassment of party sympathisers.
Business men perceived to be sympathisers of the NPP and who own filling stations have lamented what they say is victimization by the SFO in the region.
The men numbering about five have been asked to present their personal registration certificates, nominal role of staff, income and company tax, SNNIT contributions, company and personal tax and copies of their financial statements for assessment.
But Kwame Osei Prempeh, lawyer for the business men and MP for Nsuta Kwaman Piposo, has insisted the SFO has over stepped its boundaries.
Speaking to Joy Parliamentary correspondent, Araba Koomson, Mr. Prempeh, maintained the SFO can only investigate companies who have been cited for causing financial loss to the state.
He considered the demands made by the SFO as ridiculous and unconstitutional.
“The SFO has no mandate to check if the books are in order. SSNIT has its own way of checking if someone is not paying SSNIT contributions, IRS checks tax payments."
Asked if the action was meant to investigate possible fraud committed by the companies, Mr Prempeh retorted, saying, the letter of invitation given his clients did not make reference to fraud.
“None of these companies is suspected of having caused financial loss to the state and therefore they are being investigated on which basis the SFO can ask for their papers," he said.
In a rebuttal, the SFO boss Samuel Sarpong told Joy News’ Evans Mensah they are well within their mandate.
He said the investigations being carried out are regular exercises to sniff out possible acts of fraud by companies.
For now the business men are being investigated on suspicions of tax evasion and could be prosecuted if found culpable.
He dismissed allegations that the investigations were to meant harass political opponents, claiming, 20 other companies have been invited for questioning.
Listen to excerpts of the interview granted Messrs Osei Prempeh and Sarpong.
Story by Nathan Gadugah
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Tributes pour in for highlife legend Daddy Lumba following his death
47 minutes -
One stabbed to death at China City Mall in Kumasi
1 hour -
Auditor-General’s Report: We have normalised corruption, theft and scandals – Prof Abotsi
1 hour -
Highlife legend Daddy Lumba passes away at 60
1 hour -
Ghana’s Koogo Atia wins men’s 42km as Kenya’s Nancy Githaiga claim women’s title at 2025 Absa Black Star Marathon
2 hours -
Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe dominates wheelchair 42km race at Absa Black Star Marathon
2 hours -
Deloitte Africa unpacks Mid-Year Budget Review – Watch Yaw Lartey’s full analysis
2 hours -
Take politics out of anti-corruption institutions – Dr Oduro Osae
3 hours -
President Mahama hails Black Star Marathon as key to Ghana’s tourism growth
3 hours -
Ghanaian community in Côte d’Ivoire pushes for Chamber of Commerce to boost cross-border trade
3 hours -
The Joshua of Our Time: Why Dr Bryan Acheampong is the right leader to guide the NPP into its promised future
3 hours -
Public Financial Management Act must be enforced – Yaw Appiah Lartey on damning Auditor‑General’s findings
4 hours -
Absa Bank Ghana hosts Youth Festival to empower young entrepreneurs
4 hours -
WPRD Festival 2025 closes with PR fireside chat on leadership
4 hours -
Afrofuture and WatsUp TV launch nationwide Rising Star Challenge on university campuses
4 hours