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Editorial: GRA And Traditional Leaders Collaboration For Revenue Mobilisation Laudable

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

In a story carried on Page 7 of today’s issue of the paper, we reported that the Board chairman,Joe Ghartey and Commissioner General,Madam Julie Essiam of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have paid a curtsey call on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II to seek the collaboration of traditional leaders to help in revenue mobilisation.

The meeting was a crucial step in GRA’s strategic initiative to engage traditional authorities and stakeholders, to help in building stronger relationships and to emphasise the importance of tax compliance and revenue generation.

By enhancing these partnerships, the GRA seeks to raise awareness among traditional leaders about their role in advancing national development.During their discussions, Joe Ghartey and Madam Julie Essiam explored ways to strengthen collaboration with the Ga Mantse and his Council, focusing on cultivating a culture of tax compliance within the Ga community.

They highlighted the pivotal role of revenue mobilisation in supporting the government’s development agenda and improving livelihoods across Ghana.

Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II welcomed the GRA’s efforts and affirmed his support for promoting tax compliance and revenue generation as vital drivers of development and prosperity in Ghana.Mr. Joe Ghartey and Madam Julie Essiam expressed gratitude to the Ga Mantse and his Council for their warm reception and readiness to collaborate.

The Chronicle finds this Collaboration between traditional authorities and the state in revenue mobilisation a very good one. This strategic initiative by the GRA is not just a move to enhance tax compliance but a profound acknowledgment of the influential role that traditional leaders play in national development.

Traditional leaders like the Ga Mantse are revered figures in their communities. They possess the moral authority and cultural influence that can effectively drive home the importance of tax compliance and its direct impact on national development.

The GRA’s initiative to engage with such leaders is, therefore, a commendable approach that promises to bridge gaps between taxpayers and the authorities, fostering a more cooperative environment for revenue generation.

The discussion between Joe Ghartey, Madam Julie Essiam and Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II centered on building stronger relationships and cultivating a culture of tax compliance within the Ga community. This focus is timely and necessary.

Revenue mobilisation is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it is the lifeblood of the country’s development. The Ga Mantse’s endorsement and active participation can significantly influence his community’s perception of tax obligations, transforming a traditionally challenging task into a collective civic responsibility.

This partnership could set a precedent for other traditional leaders to follow, creating a ripple effect of enhanced tax compliance across various regions.

However, this collaborative effort should not be limited to the Ga community alone. It is imperative that other traditional authorities, chiefs, and community leaders across the country be engaged in similar dialogues. The GRA’s strategy should include a comprehensive outreach plan that encompasses all regions, ensuring that the message of tax compliance and its importance is uniformly disseminated.

Furthermore, Christian leaders and other religious figures should also be encouraged to join this initiative. Religious leaders, much like traditional leaders, hold significant sway over their congregations. Their support in advocating for tax compliance can add a powerful voice to the cause.

The collaboration between the GRA and traditional leaders represents a holistic approach to revenue mobilisation. It recognises that effective governance and development are not the sole responsibility of state institutions but a shared duty among all societal stakeholders.

FC Training Centre inaugurates certificate course in Natural Resources Management

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admin
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The Forestry Commission Training Center (FCTC) has officially organised a ceremony to outdoor a certificate course in Natural Resources Management and ushered in the first batch of students for the programme.

The 18-month trimester programme has been designed with practical hands-on knowledge with skills in forest protection, climate change and emerging forest practices and its regulations, and the development and management of forest resources.

Mr. Akwasi Konadu, a Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, speaking at the inauguration and matriculation ceremony of the programme at Akyawkrom in the Ashanti Region, recognised the importance of forest in national development and the significance of forests in addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, energy security and sustainable livelihoods.

He observed that, the government was committed to promoting sustainable forest management and re-afforestation efforts, as seen in the Green Ghana Project and other initiatives and interventions being pursued by the Ministry, in collaboration with other stakeholders.

The Deputy Minister, however, pointed out that, the issue of deforestation and forest degradation continued to be a major threat to forest resources as human induced factors such as unregulated logging, illegal mining, wildfires, bad agricultural practices and land-use changes among others persisted.

The human resources to manage these forests, according to Mr Konadu, were inadequate and continued to dwindle, adding that it was imperative for the Forestry Commission and its stakeholders to have produced this strategy of introducing this technical level training programme.

Mr. Konadu used the occasion to urge the students to be innovative and bring to bear their newly acquired skills to the forestry sector to develop new products for lesser known species, reduce wastage in the extraction of resources from the forest and help curb of illegal logging and mining, which had hugely degraded the forest over the years.

Mr John Allotey, Chief Executive, Forestry Commission, said per the Commission’s mandate to regulate the utilization of wildlife resources and ensure the conservation and management of the resources and the coordination of related policies, it needed a well-trained force.

He indicated that the problem had been that when the middle-level staff of FC retired, it became difficult to find people to replace them as there were no institutions to train people for the position of range supervisors and wildlife rangers.

The FC technical committee in a bid decided to create a workforce assessment to help find solutions to fill these gaps by recommending the creation of a certificate course in natural resources management.

Mr Allotey mentioned that the FCTC and the University of Energy and Natural Resources developed this course.

Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, Director for FCTC, explained that the new course had been designed to give practical knowledge and competencies to students to increase their employability.
The first batch consists of 67 students, made up of 53 males and 14 females.

From Florence Afriyie Mensah

GNA

MCE, others laud Bright SHS for academic excellence

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Some graduating students of Bright Senior High School (Bright SHS)

Bright Senior High School (Bright SHS), a leading private educational institution in the Eastern Region, has garnered widespread praise from local education authorities, parents and esteemed educators for its exceptional standards of education and academic achievements.

The commendations were made during the school’s maiden graduation ceremony, which celebrated the success of approximately 700 final-year students.

Among the notable voices endorsing Bright SHS were -Alhaji Umar Bodinga, the Abuakwa North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and Dr. Martin Offei Otu, a Senior Lecturer at Koforidua Technical University (KTU), both of whom have children enrolled at the school.

MCE Alhaji Umar Bodinga proudly shared, “My son graduated with 7As and 1B from Bright Senior High School in 2022. He is currently excelling in Information Technology at the University of Ghana. This achievement underscores the high-quality education imparted by Bright SHS, warranting government support for private institutions like this.”

Dr. Martin Offei Otu echoed the above sentiments, highlighting his son’s outstanding academic performance at Bright SHS and subsequent success at university.

“The standards at Bright SHS are excellent,” he affirmed. “The school boasts of highly qualified teachers, including Ph.D. holders and seasoned educators. This environment fosters academic excellence and personal growth among students.”

Bright Senior High School has been recognised for its academic prowess, having been named the Best Private School in Ghana in 2021 and receiving further accolades from the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly and Education Directorate in 2023.

Grace Adza-Wude, the Abuakwa North Municipal Director of Education and Guest Speaker at the graduation ceremony, commended Bright SHS for elevating educational standards within the municipality.

“The Ghana Education Service acknowledges the school’s consistent academic performance and ongoing investment in educational excellence,” she stated.

She pledged continued collaboration with the school to enhance capacity-building programs and academic activities.

Parents attending the ceremony praised Bright SHS for its disciplined environment and conducive learning atmosphere, citing these as pivotal factors in their decision to choose the school.

One parent emphasised, “The high standard of education and remarkable performance of students at Bright SHS surpasses what is commonly found in many public schools.”

Mr. Dominic Acquah, Vice President of Bright SHS, highlighted the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and extracurricular activities.

He announced the school’s qualification for the National Maths and Science Quiz Competition, reinforcing its reputation for nurturing well-rounded students.

Looking ahead, Mr. Acquah expressed optimism that this year’s WASSCE candidates would maintain the school’s tradition of achieving a 100% pass rate and increasing the number of students obtaining 8As.

Bright Senior High School continues to set benchmarks in private education in Ghana, combining rigorous academic standards with holistic development to prepare students for future challenges and successes.

Police Command begs Abuja residents not to join nationwide protest

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Police

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Benneth Igweh, has begged residents of Abuja not to join the planned nationwide protest, to prevent the destruction of new infrastructure recently put in place by the FCT administration and President Bola Tinubu.

Igwe made this appeal on Monday as the date for proposed protest against economic hardship in the country by unnamed groups draws near.

The CP also paraded the mastermind of the armed robbery gang that killed retired Brigadier General Uwen Harold Udokwerre in Abuja on June 22, 2024.

While speaking on the proposed strike, Igweh said, “Lions do not destroy their den. We have toiled so much to ensure and provide security for the FCT.

“In this process, we have lost officers. Last week we lost two officers, the previous week, we lost one officer over efforts at providing security and safeguarding residents. We don’t want to lose any more people.

“So please dont allow the destruction of what the minister, what Mr President is doing. We have been in this FCT, we know when there are changes, roads, infrastructure. I am pleading with residents, do not join this protest.”

Credit: dailypost.ng

Court dismisses Abacha family’s N500m suit over Abuja property

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late Head of State, General Sani Abacha

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit instituted against the federal government by the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, challenging the revocation of the property of the former military ruler located in the Maitama District of Abuja.

Justice Peter Lifu dismissed the suit in a judgement on the case filed nine years ago in which the Abacha family members are demanding the return of their father’s mansions located at Osara Close in Maitama and N500M compensation.

In the judgment, Justice Lifu predicated the dismissal on various grounds, among which are that the suit had become statute-barred at the time it was filed in 2015 and that those who initiated the case have no locus standi (legal power) to do so.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit instituted against the federal government by the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, challenging the revocation of the property of the former military ruler located in the Maitama District of Abuja.

Justice Peter Lifu dismissed the suit in a judgement on the case filed nine years ago in which the Abacha family members are demanding the return of their father’s mansions located at Osara Close in Maitama and N500M compensation.

In the judgment, Justice Lifu predicated the dismissal on various grounds, among which are that the suit had become statute-barred at the time it was filed in 2015 and that those who initiated the case have no locus standi (legal power) to do so.

The suit was filed by Mohammed Sani Abacha, the eldest surviving son of the former military ruler, and the widow, Hajia Maryam Abacha, on behalf of the executors of the estate of the late military general.

The new dismissal of the suit marked the fourth time the family would lose legal battles on the property in court, having lost twice at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and once at the Court of Appeal in Abuja on grounds of jurisdiction.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Peter Obi calls for urgent action over economic crisis

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Peter Obi

The 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has called for quick action in resolving the current economic crisis in the country. The call came as he expressed deep concern over the country’s economic trajectory since 2015, in a series of tweets on Monday via X.

In the post, he highlighted the contrast between Nigeria’s economic performance in the early years of its return to democracy and its current state.

“When Nigeria returned to democratic governance in 1999, it maintained an average GDP growth of about 6.72% for 16 years from 1999-2014,” Obi wrote.

However, he pointed out that this growth was not sustained, with GDP growth collapsing to 2.79% in 2015 and the economy slipping into recession in 2016.

He said, “In 2014, just before the inception of a new administration a year later, Nigeria had the biggest economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product of $568.5 billion and a GDP Per Capita of about $3,200.”

In contrast, he noted that by 2023, Nigeria had fallen to the 4th largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $375 billion and a per capita of $1700.

Accordingly, the situation worsened in 2024, with the GDP further declining to an estimated $253 billion and per capita dropping to $1087.

This is according to data obtained from StatiSense, an AI data company specialising in financial report analysis, bank statement evaluation, and AI chatbot services.

Subsequently, the former governor expressed alarm at the current state of affairs, saying,

He called for urgent action to prevent further economic collapse and move it from consumption to production as he criticised the current leadership.

Obi said, “Urgent actions need to be taken to salvage the nation from further economic collapse and move it from consumption to production.

“However, instead of concerning ourselves with all these challenges threatening our collective existence and finding ways to recreate an inclusive and sustainable economy, pull millions of people out of poverty, and return our nearly 20 million out-of-school children to schools, our leaders are more concerned with funding their selfish luxuries and individual lavishness, while throwing blames at others who are only committed to solving the nation’s problems.”

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate reached 34.19 per cent in June, even as the food inflation was over 40 per cent.

Credit: channelstv.com

Have faith in Tinubu’s policies, Oshiomhole tells Nigerians

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Senator Adams Oshiomhole (L) and President Bola Tinubu

Senator Adams Oshiomhole wants Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Inflation figures reached 34.19 per cent in June 2024, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), an indication of the high cost of living majorly triggered by the floating of the naira and the removal of fuel subsidy.

But Oshiomhole who represents Edo North in the Senate, expressed optimism that Tinubu’s policies would yield results in due course, calling for patience.

“You have to agree that some of the policy initiatives will require more than a year to materialise,” Oshiomhole said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics

“What would the president gain by resorting to policy choices that are unlikely to deliver comfort in the long run?”

“So, I think for me, it is about having faith that in the long run, these things will work out,” he said.

Credit: channelstv.com

ECG challenges will not consume us – Afenyo-Markin

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Mr Afenyo-Markin delivering his inaugural address

The new Board Chair of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has said that the challenges confronting the company will not define its future.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said he is confident that with determination and hard work the ECG will emerge stronger and more resilient in achieving growth inspired by innovation under his leadership.  He promised to bring his expertise to bear to change the fortunes of the company,

The realisation of this dream, he noted, will be anchored on a four-pillar plan: Operational efficiency, Financial sustainability, Employee empowerment and Regulatory compliance.

“Let me be clear; the road ahead is challenging. We face ageing infrastructure, financial constraints and a rapidly evolving global energy landscape. Yet, I believe that within these challenges lie opportunities for transformational change,” he noted.

Afenyo-Markin made this observation last Wednesday, July 17, 2024 during his inaugural address as Board Chair of the ECG.

He praised the efforts of past leaders and sector ministers, whose strategic foresight and dedication had laid a robust foundation for the company’s growth.

He highlighted the progress made in recent years, including the launch of value-added services and a shift towards a customer-centered approach.

He said it was upon the robust foundation laid that he, together with the other board members and management of the company, will rely on in executing the four-pillar plan for ECG’s future.

Innovation and Efficiency

With a focus on innovation and efficiency, Afenyo-Markin, who is also the MP for Effutu constituency and Majority Leader of the Parliament of Ghana, proposed deploying smart grid technologies in big cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.

“This technology has the power to reduce outage response times, boost businesses and enhance the quality of life for our citizens,” he noted.

The lawmaker also underscored prioritising customer service by developing a more interactive and user-friendly digital platform, believing that the tool, when deployed, could help reduce complaint resolution times and improve overall customer satisfaction.

“This is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of justice. Every Ghanaian deserves access to reliable and efficient electricity,”

Infrastructure

He emphasised the need for a thorough assessment of the company’s distribution networks, stressing that such an exercise could help reduce technical losses and save resources to improve power delivery reliability.

Financial Sustainability

Touching on the financial sustainability plan of the company, the Majority Leader said such could be attained when there is trust, transparency and accountability in all their dealings, and always putting the interest of the Ghanaian people first.

He also underscored the need to explore options to refine the company’s procurement processes to cut down costs.

“By reinvesting these savings into better services and infrastructure, we can create a virtuous cycle of efficiency and growth,” further urging management to embrace innovative financing instruments like green bonds to support infrastructure upgrades and align with global sustainability trends to secure a greener future for Ghana.

Employee Empowerment

To achieve the vision, he said it was important to invest in the workforce of the ECG by providing training programs and performance-based rewards systems to boost employee morale and productivity.

Enhancing safety standards to reduce workplace incidents and create a culture of excellence, he added, should also be prioritised.

Regulatory Compliance

The Majority Leader also emphasised the need to prioritize regulatory compliance and transparency, stressing that “by fortifying our compliance office and developing mechanisms for regular public reporting, we can enhance trust and accountability”.

“Let us approach these possibilities with a sense of purpose, urgency, and responsibility. We have a short timeframe, but we have a long-term vision. We are not just building for today; we are building for tomorrow. We are not just building for ourselves; we are building for our children and our grandchildren,” he stated.

By Stephen Odoi-Larbi

GRA woos Ga Mantse to support revenue mobilization 

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Ga Mantse welcoming Mr Joe Ghartey to his palace

The Board chairman of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Joe Ghartey and Madam Julie Essiam, Commissioner General of the same institution, have paid a curtsey call on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.

This meeting, held in Accra on Thursday, was a crucial step to collaborate with traditional leaders and taxpayers to promote better understanding of revenue mobilisation.

The GRA’s strategic initiative aims to engage traditional authorities and stakeholders, building stronger relationships to emphasise the importance of tax compliance and revenue generation.

By enhancing these partnerships, the GRA seeks to raise awareness among traditional leaders about their role in advancing national development.

During their discussions, Joe Ghartey and Madam Julie Essiam explored ways to strengthen collaboration with the Ga Mantse and his Council, focusing on cultivating a culture of tax compliance within the Ga community.

They highlighted the pivotal role of revenue mobilisation in supporting the government’s development agenda and improving livelihoods across Ghana.

Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II welcomed the GRA’s efforts and affirmed his support for promoting tax compliance and revenue generation as vital drivers of development and prosperity in Ghana.

Mr. Joe Ghartey and Madam Julie Essiam expressed gratitude to the Ga Mantse and his Council for their warm reception and readiness to collaborate.

This landmark meeting signifies the beginning of a productive partnership between the GRA and traditional authorities to pave the way for enhanced revenue mobilization and national progress.

Rapper Sean Kingston and mother indicted on federal charges in alleged $1M fraud scheme

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Janice Turner and son Sean Kingston

Rapper and singer Sean Kingston and his mother have been indicted in South Florida on federal charges of committing more than $1 million worth of fraud.

Prosecutors say Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, falsely claimed they had executed bank wire or other monetary payment transfers for high-end items when no such transfers had taken place.

Kingston, 34, and his mother, 61-year-old Janice Turner, made their first appearances Friday in federal court, according to court records. A Miami grand jury returned an indictment earlier this month accusing Kingston and his mother of participating in a scheme to defraud victims of high-end specialty vehicles, jewelry and other goods through the use of fraudulent documents.

Kingston was booked into the Broward County jail on similar state charges last month following a May 23 arrest at Fort Irwin, an Army training base in California’s Mojave Desert where he was performing. Turner was arrested the same day as her son, when a SWAT team raided his rented mansion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

According to the federal indictment, Kingston and Turner falsely claimed that they had executed bank wire or other monetary payment transfers for high-end items when no such transfers had taken place. Investigators said Kingston and Turner then kept over $1 million worth of fraudulently purchased items despite not paying for them.

The warrants for the state charges say that from October to March, they stole almost $500,000 in jewelry, more than $200,000 from Bank of America, $160,000 from a Cadilac Escalade dealer, more than $100,000 from First Republic Bank and $86,000 from the maker of customized beds.

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