Nana Kwame Bediako, the founder of New Force, has rebutted allegations of tax evasion brought against him by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Recent reports in state publications highlighted Bediako’s failure to submit personal income tax returns from 2013 to 2016, resulting in a fine of GH¢50,000.
Although he settled an amount of GH¢209,171 between 2018 and 2020, it is claimed that he did not file returns for the period post-2020. The GRA has additionally projected tax assessments of GH¢2,088,228 and GH¢5,096,536 for the years 2021-2022, accompanied by penalties for non-compliance.
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Mr. Bediako vehemently denies these allegations and accuses the GRA of a smear campaign against him. According to him, despite being a consistent taxpayer, he feels unfairly singled out.
In response to the accusations, Cheddar took to social media on January 18, 2024, stating, “I woke up this morning, only to see my pictures on the front cover of multiple publications alleging that I have evaded taxes. I have dedicated almost 22 or 23 years in this country. When it comes to taxes, I have consistently fulfilled my obligations and continue to do so.”
He explained that, given his regular importation of goods into the country, evading taxes without detection would be implausible. Despite having a substantial income from taxes, he asserted that he ensures timely payments and expressed bewilderment at the GRA’s decision to publicly accuse him of tax evasion.
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As a presidential aspirant, Cheddar criticized the GRA’s approach, suggesting that a meeting could have been scheduled with him instead of resorting to public accusations.
“If we consider the state of the economy and the hardship we face as citizens, it appears the government was doing nothing to alleviate our difficulties. The government intends to disgrace me, so it published my pictures in the papers. No, you cannot disgrace a man whom God has graced,” Cheddar asserted.
